Sprinkler Age Sept/Oct 2019

58 AFSA INTRODUCES MENTOR PROGRAM

SEP / OCT 2019

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 38/05

MANNING STRICKLAND 2019 PARMELEE AWARD

Valve C

Va l

27.6 bar

rov App als

rim er T Conn v o

ZERO

New Reliable Valve.

Same Reliable Quality. www.reliablesprinkler.com/DDV

tions ec

g tin

ressure Ra P ve

12+ Billion Square Feet of Facility Floorspace Inspected & Counting

The safety of people in those facilities is why over 900 service providers and 800,000 facilities trust BuildingReports.

Since 2000, BuildingReports has been providing the most comprehensive, industry-leading fire and life safety mobile inspection technology and web-based compliance reporting solutions available.

To find a network member near you, or to learn more about joining the elite network of service companies using BuildingReports, visit www.buildingreports.com.

The most trusted name in compliance reporting www.buildingreports.com Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Making the connection for fire protection.

Solutions under our roof protecting what’s under yours!

Anvil International offers the most pipe support and connecting solutions in the fire protection industry. We provide products with the quality you rely on, from the brands you trust most.

Contact your local Anvil International Sales Representative. www.anvilintl.com/contact-us Visit Us in Booth# 105 at the AFSA Expo in San Diego

SprinklerAge

Vol 38 / 05

September/October 2019

Features 10 | Strickland Awarded 2019 Henry S. Parmelee Award

Servant Leader Shapes Legacy Through Industry Dedication

16 | Standpipes: Protecting Horizontal Pipe

What are Laterals?

20 | Window Sprinkler Design

Application and Pitfalls

24 | And the Winner is...

Meet the 26th Annual National Apprentice Competition Finalists

28 | Exposure Protection

What is it?

34 | The Compensability of Travel Time Under FLSA

The Question of Travel Time

38 | Madison West Receives De Camara Scholarship

Contributions Support Exceptional Fire Protection Engineers

40 | Developing ITM Inspectors

Training Program Helps Companies Grow and Get Ahead

ON THE COVER Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Forestville, Maryland, is AFSA’s 2019 Henry S. Parmelee award recipient. Also in this issue: water curtains and glazing.

6

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

8

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

60 AFSA CHAPTERS

42 | Sprinkler Incentives Pave the Way for New Home Protection

61 NEW MEMBERS

46 | Window Sprinklers

62 AFSA NEWS

Texas Development is a Model Using Incentives to Achieve Community Risk Reduction

When the Fire-Rated Walls Block the View

48 | A Different Outcome

Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Steps to Stay Safe and Prevent Fire Tragedies

51 | Achieving Quality Contractor Status

AFSA Program Recognizes Excellence and Responsibility

52 | Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

54 | Decrypting Cybersecurity

61 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 62 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 64 CHAPTER NEWS 66 PRODUCT NEWS 68 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 69 INDUSTRY NEWS 70

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Follow us on

Are You Protected?

56 | Protecting Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena

AFSA Member American Automatic Sprinkler’s Project Nears Completion

57 | Fire Alarms Webinar

Avoiding Inspection Issues and Interfacing Program Free for AFSA Members

58 | Mentoring Matters

Why You Should Get Involved with AFSA’s Mentor Program

SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SPRINKLER AGE, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965

BY WAYNE WEISZ AFSA Chair of the Board

NICOLE DUVALL, Publisher Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965 REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965

I am writing this column this morning with a little sadness but also with great anticipation. This is the last column of this type I will write as we will be transitioning in a new AFSA Chair of the Board of Directors at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition and Apprentice Competition, October 1-4 in San Diego. As it has happened since the inception of AFSA, with rare exception, the Chair holds the position for two years. I am extremely happy for my good friend and fellow Board member Ted Wills, Anchor Fire Protection Company, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, who will be installed as the next AFSA Chair at the end of AFSA38.

These last two years have been full of extremely good times as we have seen our Association grow to new levels. Along with the growth of membership, we have seen the number of local chapters grow as well. We have had steady growth in our member services. But as is the case with any association or business of any type, along with all of the growth there have been a few growing pains. Most of us have witnessed some of those growing pains in our own business. Success happens when you recognize that growth, make adjustments, and work through the issues.

I have so many people to thank for their support these last couple of years, but I’ll start with the most important in my life, my wife of 39 years, Michelle. I want to thank my fellow AFSA Board of Directors whom I have had the privilege of working with through the challenges of the last two years. They are an amazing group. I also want to thank the network of Chapter Chairs and Executive Directors from around the country. I have met most of them and personally witnessed their great level of dedication to our Association and industry. All of these people believe in AFSA, the business model we promote, and the betterment of our industry. For me personally, I want to give a very heartfelt thank you to the AFSA staff in Dallas. Marlene Garrett, LaVerne Davis, Leslie Clounts, Nicole Duvall, and all of the staff, you have been great.

D’Arcy Montalvo—thank you!

I am excited for the future of AFSA. Our new President & CEO Debra McGuire is settling in nicely and doing a tremendous job. There are a lot of new ideas on the table, and our Association will continue to grow and improve—not only with the things we already do well, but with a whole new level of member services.

I look forward to AFSA38 in San Diego. The city is one of the prettiest in the country. The weather will be perfect. The staff has put together a great event. I truly hope to see you all there! n

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAYNE WEISZ, CHAIR 209-334-9119 TED WILLS, FIRST VICE CHAIR 610-754-7836 JACK A. MEDOVICH, SECOND VICE CHAIR 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, SECRETARY 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, TREASURER 603-432-8221 MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR 757-213-3660 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136 AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965 DEBRA N. McGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE, President & CEO MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Program Operations & Education Services, ext. 118 LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126 Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the fire sprinkler industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information.

Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved

by Publisher or the Association.

Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-member and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965.

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

6 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

ON-TIME DELIVERY Time matters.

When it comes to on-time delivery of pipe on job, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication is best-in-class. From the shop to the job site, our customized delivery methods are just one of the many services we’re proud to offer to ensure you get the pipe you need — wherever and whenever you need it.

1,000 Employees | 77 Locations | 35 Fabrication Facilities | 10 DCs Find the closest location near you at FERGUSONFIRE.COM

©2018 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 1018 1026870

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

BY DEBRA N. MCGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE AFSA President & CEO

Survey Says...

If you were around in the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, you probably remember that infamous line, “Survey Says...”.

This catchphrase was coined by the late Richard Dawson, who first hosted the popular game show “Family Feud,” as he revealed the results of a poll of 100 people who responded to a question and contestant families had to guess the top answers.

And so it is with the recent 2019 membership survey conducted by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) when we asked the main contacts at our contractor members to give their answers to a myriad of questions—from three words that best describe AFSA to the reasons why their company belongs to the world’s largest association representing the voice of the merit shop in the fire sprinkler industry.

As a result of the survey, the AFSA Board and staff learned a lot about our contractor members. (Don’t worry... a custom survey is slated to go out to our Designer members and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) members, and one previously went out to Associate members, too!) A sincere thank you is in order to our respondents, who took time out of their busy schedules to give feedback to their Association. Your input is vital in helping provide direction as AFSA embarks upon a journey to ascertain the perspectives, thoughts, and ideas from our members throughout North America.

Now it’s your turn to discover what the “Survey Says...”

• Four out of five of our contractors said industry information along with having access to AFSA Engineering & Technical Services Department’s informal interpretations are equally important reasons why they initially joined.

• A whopping 97 percent indicated that AFSA’s educational programs are among the top reasons to belong, followed closely by apprentice training. Other key reasons (in order of frequency mentioned) are: legislative “merit shop” advocacy, business solutions, and networking opportunities.

• More than 90 percent said that AFSA meets their needs, with over three-quarters of those indicating their needs are being met “extremely well” or “very well.”

• The top three words to describe AFSA are: educational, informative, and knowledgeable. Other top words include: helpful, training, advocate, professional, and organized.

• Most popular program or benefit used during the past year? Sprinkler Age magazine, with four out of five indicating they read it. Second place: webinars followed closely by technical services.

8 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

• Over half of respondents indicated they attended an AFSA Chapter meeting in the past 12 months.

• More than 70 ideas were offered by our members as to how to make their membership even more valuable. (These have been shared with our Membership & Chapter Development Committee, Board, and staff.)

• Nine out of 10 respondents indicate they are “very likely” or “likely” to renew their membership next year.

By examining the information shared by our contractor members (which will be augmented by subsequent findings from custom surveys directed to our other membership categories), we will use this valuable insight, along with additional input derived from upcoming 20/20 strategic planning sessions, to create an Association “makeover” to make data-driven decisions to optimize YOUR dues dollars. Based on your input, we’ll re-examine our vision, mission statement, and value proposition to ensure that both AFSA and its charitable foundation—the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE)—are aligned to lead.

(Continued on page 70) AFSA Thanks Huggins for 23 Years of Service On behalf of the AFSA Board of Directors and staff, we thank Roland Huggins, P.E. for serving members since 1996, most recently as AFSA’s Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services. Huggins began his employment with AFSA as Director of Technical Services, later serving as the Department’s Vice President. His primary roles have included defining technical positions for AFSA, directing the effort to improve the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that drive the installation and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems covering 28 NFPA standards, and providing oversight to AFSA’s Technical Services Department.

“I want to thank Roland for all of his years of service to AFSA,” says AFSA Chair of the Board Wayne Weisz. “He has been an instrumental part of the growth of this Association.

Under his leadership, our technical department has become nationally recognized as one of the leaders in our industry.”

A graduate of the University of Maryland and registered in Fire Protection Engineering, Huggins served on the NFPA Standards Council, served as a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, and participated in editing the Sprinkler Handbook and the Fire Protection Handbook. Over the years, he has also been involved in UL Standard Technical Panels, the NFPA Research Foundation, and NICET. In 2019, Huggins was awarded the NFPA Committee Service Award for his long-term work on the development of NFPA standards.

We are grateful for Roland’s many contributions to the fire sprinkler industry and wish him well in his new endeavors.

SOUTH-TEK SYSTEMS: THE LEADER IN INNOVATIVE CORROSION SOLUTIONS The N2-Blast® utilizes industry exclusive, dual-bed PSA technology, providing ultra-high purity nitrogen for upwards of 25 years. With built-in SMART-Trak™ software and a fullyintegrated design for plug-and-play installation, this nitrogen generator saves time, money and offers the best in dry and pre-action system corrosion protection.

Dual Vent O2 Release™ System The DeOx™ - Dual Vent O2-Release System automatically removes corrosive trapped air from within the wet sprinkler piping. Unlike competing redundant vents, it features a patent pending FailSafe™ design that works as a true water stop. In case of a primary vent failure, water will not spillover from the secondary vent onto the facility floor or inventory.

For a project specific consultation call (888) 526-6284 or go to www.southteksystems.com.

Dashboard

Operation

Alarm

Product Info Status:

Graphs

Next Screen

Running

V350 - HOME Screen A/B (ver.2.4)

Strickland Awarded 2019 Henry S. Parmelee Award Servant Leader Shapes Legacy Through Industry Dedication NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Where leadership is concerned, being asked is much better than asking, because the best leaders are servant leaders. As with any leader—especially those leaders who base their model on listening to others—when Manning Strickland, Sr. spoke, people listened.

For over three decades, the founder of Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland has called the members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) to action by asking the question, “How can we help?” whenever he learned of a need in the industry.

Strickland is a man who has served often and well. He served professionally as a member of the AFSA Board of Directors for 18 years—including two as Chair, and personally as the epitome of the American dream, the proud patriarch of three Strickland family generations who built the successful multi-million dollar Strickland Fire Protection in the D.C.-metro area from the ground up.

In recognition of his dedication and selfless devotion to the advancement of the industry, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has selected Manning Strickland, Sr. as its 2019 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient. The Parmelee Award is the highest honor AFSA bestows upon an individual. It recognizes commitment, achievement, and excellence in the sprinkler industry.

“It’s not your ability; it’s your availability.” Strickland graduated from North High School in North, South Carolina in 1961. It was a small, rural school; there were only 27 in the graduating class. Straight out of high school, Strickland went to work at the Sunbeam Bakery making 85 cents an hour. No stranger to hard work, he quickly found himself working 18-hour days. So when his cousin, Tommy Wanamaker, came home to visit from the Washington, D.C. area where he worked for General Automatic Sprinkler wearing this nice little suede jacket and driving a new ‘55 Ford, Strickland noticed.

“Man, he just looked good. I said, ‘My goodness, man. If you folks ever have an opening up there, I’d certainly like to get in on that.’”

Strickland recalled. “As a single guy, who had never been out of the state, I really got into the sprinkler industry by a good friend. I worked for General Automatic Sprinklers as an apprentice and moved up through the trade.”

In 1961, Strickland started as a fire sprinkler apprentice and began his studies with a four-year correspondence course administered through Pennsylvania State University. He recalled with a laugh, “That was before the internet, so we did everything on paper... We didn’t do anything online. It was no line except for the 10 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Strickland Fire Protection was founded in 1983. From l to r: Laura, Manning, and Jay Strickland. Today, the growing family business employs over 50 people.

clothes’ line that people hung clothes out on. So, we had to do it all correspondence. And I’ll tell you, that was a struggle. When you work all day and then have to come home and do homework, but your raise was predicated on it.”

He continued his work at General Automatic from 1961 to 1983. Throughout his tenure he progressively took on more and more responsibilities, quickly moving through the ranks with his trademark good-natured smile. He spent five years as an apprentice, four as a journeyman, six as a foreman/area superintendent, and seven years as a general manager for General Automatic Sprinkler.

“Sometimes it’s not your ability, it’s your availability. I was always there and always willing to pitch in and do what I had to do. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I moved up to bidder and foreman and superintendent. Then the position became available for general manager for General Automatic Sprinkler, and they couldn’t get anybody who wanted to move to Washington. So, finally they decided they’d give me a shot.”

But as his family grew, so did his desire to stick closer to wife, Laura, and their four children. “I went to my father-in-law [in College Park, Maryland]. He said, ‘I’ve got a warehouse and I will give you free rent for a year, and you can give it a shot.’ I think I may have had about $10,000 in the bank. He said, ‘I’ll give you a $50,000 line of credit, and you just pay it off when you can and do whatever you’ve got to do.’”

Introducing the world’s first electronically activated fire sprinkler system — EAS-1.

A uniquely smart system installed on existing piping in your warehouse or storage facility, EAS-1 activates only sprinklers required to address a fire. This uses up to 50% less water, limits property damage to the rest of the building and offers the ability to maximize storage space and store exposed expanded plastics. It might look like a sprinkler. But it’s so much more.

Learn more at www.tyco-fire.com/EAS1

“Elvis” debuted at the costume party during AFSA’s 1995 convention in Palm Desert, California. Since then, he has regularly entertained crowds of fire protection party-goers!

(From r to l): Denise, Jay, and Manning Strickland brought three-month-old Joshua to his first AFSA convention in 1989. Now, Joshua is one of the owners of Strickland Fire Protection and is a member of AFSA’s NextGen Initiative.

So, in 1983, he founded Strickland Fire Protection. “We didn’t really have a business plan,” Strickland recalled. “In my mind, I thought I’d like to do about a half-a-million the first year, about a million the second year, and then build up maybe to a million-anda-half about the third or fourth year. I’m telling you, it just came right along those lines. The first year we did like $490,000. The next year we did around $950,000. The next year we did about two million. We started with just my wife Laura, my son Jay, and me.”

different nations in that building. You’d go into an area, and they may have white carpet and we’d have to go in and envelope the whole place with plastic. Then, the big 4x4 lights in the center of these honeycombs would have to be taken down, and we would core drill holes and run the pipe up through the holes. Then the pipe had to be painted, and the holes had to be sealed. When we got through, everything was exposed, but you weren’t supposed to be able to see it. It all worked out really well.”

Now 36 years later, the growing family business employs roughly 50 people, many of whom have a family connection. “We’ve always tried to treat everybody the way that we’d like to be treated – from clients to employees. We’ve always felt like our employees are some of the most important people to us, and our clients have to be the most important people to them. So, everybody’s got to take care of each other, and it’s a really true partnering, family-type business.”

Simply put, Strickland says that fire protection is just a great industry. “There’s no doubt about it. I mean, it’s proven good for us. And again, I think it’s like anything else. You have to work hard. You have to be available. Ability is great, but availability is so much better.”

Strickland, who retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is no longer involved in the direct day-to-day operations of Strickland Fire since his son, Jay, purchased the business along with grandsons Joshua and Micah. However, Manning couldn’t be happier in “retirement.” He loves spending time with wife Laura and family, as well as serving his church.

When he’s not spending time with family or exploring the area’s golf courses, Strickland serves as Strickland Fire Protection’s part-time director of business development. “It’s been a good run. I’ve truly enjoyed it. We worked primarily around the Washington, D.C.-area so, we’ve been in many places. We’ve been in the Capitol building, all up in the domes and the basements and areas that other people have never been in. And we worked in the White House and all the Smithsonian buildings. We’ve done some pretty unique projects and had some fun.”

Of all the places he has been privileged enough to work, Strickland says the most interesting job was the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “We installed 10,000 heads, and I think about the longest piece of pipe that we was used about five foot of pipe. It was honeycomb-type ceilings, and you had to core drill through each beam to get a piece of pipe in. At IMF, we were working with 140 12 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Updating AFSA’s Sprinkler Curriculum Joining AFSA is 1985, Strickland’s earliest memories of AFSA are the convention and the AFSA’s apprentice training curriculum. Strickland stated, “I wanted to be open shop. I wanted to run my own business. We were willing to pay our employees a good salary, and train them in the apprenticeship program. That’s basically what got me involved with AFSA was the apprenticeship program, because I saw the importance of well-trained employees.”

Strickland immediately got involved with committees in 1986 and over the years has sat on virtually all and chaired most of the AFSA National Committees, including the Apprentice & Education Committee whose volunteers oversee the development and maintenance of AFSA’s various training programs.

When the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) agreed to partner with AFSA on a sprinkler fitter curriculum in the early 1990s, the immediate task was to review AFSA’s existing Training For Excellence series to ensure every detail met the latest technology and NFPA standards, and to restructure the material to fit ABC/NCCER’s Wheels of Learning format.

“Early on, we spent a lot of time and effort on the apprenticeship program. Jack Medovich, Bob McCullough, myself, and the rest of

Laura and Manning Strickland enjoyed the sights and sounds of Las Vegas at AFSA’s 2013 convention.

Strickland and his grandson rounded up outlaws in Dallas during AFSA’s Silver Anniversary convention in 2006.

the guys—we’d go and spend two or three days a week, rewriting apprenticeship programs and doing whatever we had to do. It was just the right thing to do.”

Even when asked what career accomplishment stands out that he’s most proud of, he never mentions awards, like FPC Magazine naming him its Fire Person of the Year in 2018. He, however, prefers to shine his light on others, stating simply, “When I see my son [Jay] running the business, the grandchildren in the business, and our employees who have done well and prospered—I think that’s my biggest accomplishment—to have our children and all in the business.”

Each book contained 100-plus pages of technical information and instruction. Strickland recalled, “The apprenticeship books were in disarray and not really current with the new technologies and the new codes. We had four units —four years of books—that we had to go through line-by-line. John Denhardt was in there; so was Jack Viola... I can’t recall all the people who were there, but we just went through it line-by-line and corrected it.”

Since they didn’t have today’s convenient internet access, the people who volunteered for that project committed to a significant investment in time away from their homes and companies. In later years, Strickland joined the Executive Committee and was elected Chair of the Board in 2005 which left him unable to attend those meetings personally, but he always reinforced the efforts by supporting other Strickland Fire Protection employees, like John Denhardt, P.E., in their involvement with the Association.

Servant Leadership First coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in an essay he published called “The Servant as Leader,” servant leadership is an individual who focuses first and foremost on serving others.

Strickland was elected to the AFSA Board of Directors in 1992, and retired from the Board in 2010, including two years as Chair of the AFSA Board (2005-2007). The always-humble Strickland has spent much of his time at AFSA shying away from the spotlight, with exception of his famous Elvis impression, but he gives credit to the many who helped him along the way.

“I had some really good, strong mentors in the industry. Bill Kluttz, he was our main mentor out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Fred Thredgill was an on-the-job-training-type guy. I’ve been blessed with some really good strong mentors coming up through the trade. Then I was at the right place at the right time, and I believe just working hard and trying to do the right thing.”

14 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

He continued, “All of them serve on committees, and Jay’s just been elected to the AFSA Board of Directors. It’s just a great feeling to see that you’ve been an example that they’re willing to follow. That’s kind of my best achievement. These awards, I’m telling you the truth, they’ve been shocks to me, because I certainly can think of a lot of people who are more deserving and have done a lot more than I have. All you do is just do the best you can, work hard, and trust in the Lord, and it will all come around to you. I believe that.

My father had a saying, ‘You can’t out-give the Lord.’ You just do the right thing, and it’ll come back to you.”

Honoring a Legend Work hard he did. If there was a theme in talking with other leaders about Strickland’s AFSA and industry involvement over the years, it was his positive attitude and his willingness to help out whenever and wherever he was needed.

Willie Templin, 2011 Parmelee winner, American Automatic Sprinkler in Fort Worth, Texas, said, “Having known Strick for some 33 years, I have always looked up to him as an outstanding [AFSA] Board Member and Chair. I was always impressed with how quick he would volunteer to chair a committee or how often he would volunteer to be a hard-working committee member. His talent was for keeping God and family first, but he always had time to run a growing business while helping the AFSA. He is truly a good man with character and integrity and deserves to be given the Parmelee award.”

Fellow Past Board Chair and honorary Life Member, Don Becker who was awarded the 1999 Parmelee award and is now retired in Dallas City, Iowa, acknowledges the Church Deacon and former Sunday school teacher as a “prayer warrior,” stating, “Manning and

(From l to r): One of Strickland’s mentors, Bill Kluttz, Nancy Kluttz, and Mrs. and Mr. Frank Barrier attended AFSA’s 1991 convention in Reno Nevada.

(From l to r): Don Kaufman, Laura & Manning Strickland, Willie & Bev Templin and Lindalee McCullough let the good times roll during AFSA’s 1999 convention.

I shared in the growth of the organization for five or six years on the Board. He said the opening prayer before the Board meeting. He is constantly in prayer for AFSA, as am I. I pray for the success of AFSA and its members every day.”

organization and the members. With Strick, it’s never ‘me’ or ‘I,’ but always ‘us’ and ‘we.’ He just keeps giving, never asking anything in return. No matter how busy, Strick will always give you his time.

He never tells you what to do, but gives you a lot of thoughts.”

AFSA Immediate Past Chair Michael F. Meehan, president of VSC Fire & Security, Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, said, “When I think of Manning Strickland, I see a man of integrity, faith, and family. His business practices are very simple—work hard, be honest, and give back. The success of his life, his family, and his business are a true reflection on his steadfast belief in these golden rules. Manning’s natural instinct is to be cheerful and to see the good in people and it is no coincidence that Strickland Fire has a lot of loyal and longtime employees and customers.”

Strickland served locally as Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of AFSA from 1991 to 1992. AFSA Second Vice Chair of the Board Jack A. Medovich, P.E., senior vice president of Fire & Life Safety America (an ECFP Co.) in Richmond, Virginia, who chaired the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter immediately after Strickland, said, “Manning has volunteered his time and resources for the betterment of the industry. His reputation in the D.C.-area is extemporary. He is a top notch, not just in business but as an individual.”

AFSA Board Director Don Kaufman, president of Kaufman Fire Protection in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said, “His faith, family, and ice cream come in that order. Manning is the ultimate gentleman. He’s so much a professional; he’s always so positive. Everything he’s done for AFSA, it’s always been what’s best for the

AFSA will present Manning Strickland, Sr. with its 2019 Henry S. Parmelee award, during the general session Thursday, October 3, 2019 at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. To learn more about the Parmelee award, or to nominate someone year-round, visit www.firesprinkler.org/awards. n

Henry S. Parmelee Award Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

1992

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

John M. Rhodes, FM Global Research Corp.

William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corporation C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Co. Harold L. Black, Central Fire Protection, Inc. Edward J. Reilly, Ed Reilly Associates Richard T. Groos, The Viking Corporation Ron Coleman, Chief, Fullerton Fire Dept., CA Frank J. Fee III, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Corp.

Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Department, GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corporation Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Corp.

Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co. Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Company (awarded posthumously)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corporation Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corporation Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, National Fire Protection Association Tom Groos, The Viking Corporation William E. Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership (1986-2008) Marty Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company Steve Muncy, AFSA President (1991-2016) Robert (Bob) G. Caputo, Fire & Life Safety America Kraig Kirschner, AFCON Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 15

Standpipes: Protecting Horizontal Pipe What are Laterals?

ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE | American Fire Sprinkler Association

One of the aspects of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, that has been regularly edited over the last several cycles of the standard is the protection of piping against fire damage. This article will look at these changes with a particular focus on laterals. It will also limit the discussion to Class I standpipes.

The reason for this article is that although NFPA 14 is in pretty good shape, the driving force—that being the International Building Code (IBC)—is not yet as well defined. Let’s start with the portion of the IBC that addresses protection of the pipe. Section 905.4.1 states: “Protection. Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within an interior exit stairway shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located.” There’s then an exception that states: “In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, laterals that are not located within an interior exit stairway are not required to be enclosed within fire-resistance-rated construction.” Seems simple enough except there’s no definition for lateral. IBC also directs us when no definitions are provided to do as follows: “ ... such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies... ” This is the same guidance provided by the NFPA standards except they take an additional step and state: “Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.” In checking Merriam-Webster, we’re told that a lateral means “a branch from the main part (as in an irrigation or electrical system).” This seems to support the text in the IBC commentary (the equivalent to the Sprinkler Handbook for NFPA 13) that define laterals as “ ... and laterals (i.e., the horizontal segments of standpipe system piping)… ” The problem, though, is that the definition states that it’s a pipe section from the main part (aka the standpipe) and parts of the system go to the main part such as feed mains. Before diving this deep into the nuances of the English language (which we code nerds are supposed to do), keep in mind that for many years the feed main was not required to be protected. Even more of a problem is that historically NFPA 14 had a specific use for the term lateral.

So, let’s now delve into the history of NFPA 14 regarding the protection of piping, and this thing called a lateral.

16 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

In the 1978 edition of NFPA 14 (13 cycles or 41 years ago), all it said was: “3-3.2 Standpipes shall be so located that they are protected against mechanical and fire damage.” No guidance is given on what that applies to or how to accomplish it. Other interesting items are you could have a single standpipe in smaller buildings (the driving criteria was “… that all portions of the building are within 30 ft of the nozzle when attached to not more than a 100-ft hose”), the minimum pressure for a Class I system was 65 psi, and locating the standpipe in the exit stairway was a recommendation in the annex. The body of the standard simply says to place the hose station, so it is conspicuous and not likely to be obstructed. The only use of lateral was in the annex for this section where it stated: “A-4-1.1 Hose may be located at one side of the standpipe and supplied by short lateral connections to the standpipe where necessary to avoid obstructions.” In other words, it’s in the immediate area of the standpipe.

Let’s jump 18 years to the 1996 edition of NFPA 14. We’re now in more familiar country. There’s the placement within all required stairways (though it is interesting that the same annex material from the 1978 edition remains, saying they should be in stairways) along with adjacent to openings in horizontal exits. There’s also the now common 100 psi minimum pressure. Surprisingly, the 100-ft hose and 30-ft throw criterion are gone, having been replaced with a travel distance (though it lives on in the IBC so you must still be aware of it—but that’s a design issue). Feed mains (defined as: “that portion of standpipe system that supplies water to one or more standpipes”) and branch lines (defined as “a piping system, generally in a horizontal plane, connecting one or more hose connections with a standpipe”) have also been explicitly identified.

It’s worth noting that branch line started as feeding more than one hose connection. More pertinent to the focus of this article is that explicit guidance on protection is provided. Section 4-1.2.2. states: “Standpipes and lateral piping SUPPLIED BY standpipes shall be located in enclosed exit stairways or shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for enclosed exit stairways in the building in which they are located.”

This requires just the standpipe (aka vertical risers) and the horizontal feeds to hose connections (as indicated by the capitalized phrase “supplied by”) to be protected. It’s interesting to note that this section did not use the new term branch line. There is also an exception when the building is sprinklered that lateral piping to 21/2-in. hose connections is not required to be protected.

Figure 1. NFPA 14 Table 6.1.2.2. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2016 edition. Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 14, please go to www.nfpa.org.

Allow me to emphasize that the feed main is not part of the system that required protection. Additionally, we now have two uses of the phrase lateral, as in lateral piping to hose connections and lateral connections to avoid obstructions.

The 2003 edition (as well as the 2007 edition) had the same protection requirements as the 1996 edition as well as the same use of the phrase lateral. There were two related items that did change.

First off, the definition of standpipe heretofore just in the vertical orientation added that it can also refer to portions of horizontal pipe that are supplying two or more hose connections on the same level. Secondly, branch line was changed to its current usage of serving no more than one hose connection (obviously in response to the change to standpipe).

interest remained the same). There was a rather significant expansion of variables affecting when and where protection shall be provided. The first variable is whether or not the building is a high-rise. The second one is the type of construction per the IBC (such as Class I). The long-standing variable of whether or not the building is sprinklered was retained. These variables are then applied to three different pipe groupings; these being standpipe, horizontal, and branch line. There is a note that horizontal means a horizontal standpipe or horizontal portions of any standpipe such as feed mains. We can take this to mean all other horizontal pipe except for branch lines since that is individually listed.

Fortunately, this is nicely presented as table 6.1.2.2. An outcome

The 2010 edition is when things finally were comprehensively addressed. Instead of saying just standpipes and lateral piping supplied by the standpipe, it covers all piping with section 6.1.2.2 stating: “Feed mains, stand pipes, horizontal standpipes, and branch lines supplied by standpipes shall be… ” (the rest of the paragraph is the same). (See Figure 1.) Finally, feed mains were required to be protected. The term branch line was also finally used in place of lateral piping supplied by the standpipe (confirming this was indeed the intent of the phrase lateral piping). This now reduced the use of the term lateral only to the annex where it says lateral connections.

In the 2013 edition, although barely worth mentioning, the only change of note relates to the use of lateral. A new section 7.10.1.1.6* states: “Where lateral piping serves a single outlet, the minimum flow rate for the system shall be determined as if the outlet is being served from a separate standpipe.” There is also new annex material and an associated figure where lateral is used another four times. I’m not sure why they reverted to the old phrase instead of saying branch line, but they did. As a design side note, this is a noteworthy clarification telling us that the hydraulic calculations can have 750 gpm in a single vertical standpipe.

Let’s now take the final look at changes that occurred in the 2016 edition (that includes the 2019 edition as well since the issues of Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 17

of having building specific criteria is that in non-high-rise buildings, we are back to no longer protecting the feed main or any other horizontal pipe (including branch lines) even when the building is not sprinklered. There is one other useful change whereby one can now use listed fire wrap applied directly to the pipe. It’s interesting, though, that the hanger assembly doesn’t have to be protected. The use of the phrase lateral remained the same as the 2013 edition.

So, what needs to be protected and when? More importantly, do we have a conflict between the IBC and NFPA 14? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Let’s start with where and when to protect the pipe. The bad news is that it is ambiguous in using laterals as a noun (and that it isn’t defined). This implies that all horizontal pipe is protected. More bad news is that the commentary to the IBC leaps to this non-supported conclusion. This matches the criteria of the 2013 edition of NFPA 14. Let’s shift the discussion to the term laterals (that clearly is an outdated term) so as to better define what is the likely intent. NFPA 14 uses lateral as an adjective describing applicable nouns as in lateral piping and lateral connection. As far back as 1978, it used lateral connections as short sections of pipe in the immediate vicinity of the standpipe where the hose connection is not connected immediately on the standpipe (so to make it more accessible). The more extensively used phrase of lateral piping supplied by the standpipe has always been understood to mean to a hose connection outside the stairway. It has been used within the industry as a noun where we say the lateral to the hose connection. Its use in this fashion was

mostly converted to the term branch line. It was definitely clear enough to show this was indeed its common use definition. As such, the literal requirement for protection by the IBC applies only to branch lines and not feed mains. Such a literal application is not a good idea for all cases but is critical for any discussion on what is actually required. Keep in mind that NFPA 14 did not require the protection of feed mains until the 2010 edition. There were two NFPA 14 editions that required all horizontal pipe to be protected. That changed with the two latest editions having appropriately included the type of construction on dictating when to protect horizontal pipe. A final item that could also create an interpretation issue is how to protect the pipe. The IBC starts by saying a certain degree of fire resistance is required for protection.

It then states in the exception allowing no protection when the building is sprinklered, that the pipe is not required to be enclosed in fire-rated construction. This strongly implies that the base requirement is meaning construction (also the commonly understood means to provide the protection). The issue is that NFPA 14 now allows the fire-rated requirement to be accomplished using a listed fire wrap or other insulating material. In reality, this last one is simply a means for the contractor to do something when the engineer of record misses addressing it in the initial building permit phase.

In conclusion, although there are currently some conflicts, they fortunately should be readily resolvable since it appears the IBC is simply stuck in the 2013 edition of NFPA 14. The fact that there has been some very reasonable evolution over the last two editions of NFPA 14 should be viewed by all as desirable. It also helps that the conflicts do not appear to be intentionally different (like with NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, and balconies before the 2013 edition). If you’re responsible for addressing the issue of protection of the standpipe piping or attempting to define a process on how your company will treat it, ensure you have a discussion with the applicable Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland J. Huggins, PE is the (former) senior vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and registered in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 Correlating Committee, NFPA 13 Discharge Criteria, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code) Correlating Committee. NFPA activities have included participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and the Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. He has conducted many seminars and presentations as well as written numerous sprinkler-related articles. Huggins is a veteran.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

18 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

REDDI-PIPE arrives at your shop fully painted & stenciled, “reddi” for fabrication! ®

• Provides major time & cost savings in sprinkler environments where gloss finish is not required.

• Eliminates the expenses and delay of powder coating.

• Easy to weld, fully traceable for UL/FM and AHJ compliance, and protected by our exclusive EddyGuard II antimicrobial coating.

Get Reddi to save! Visit BullMooseTube.com to learn more.

Window Sprinkler Design Application and Pitfalls CHRIS KACHURA, PE | Southeast Fire Protection

When reviewing a set of contract documents, I often find myself gravitating to the life-safety drawings. These drawings spell out several items which help me in evaluating the overall sprinkler needs for a project. Among the most common items identified are the location and rating of the code-required fire separations/walls utilized for that project. When constructed of standard building materials, these firewalls pose little impact on sprinkler design considerations. However, more and more often, fire sprinkler contractors are faced with owners and architects who wish to utilize large quantities of glass separations in their designs. This use of glass is being utilized for applications of security, economic efficiencies, and building aesthetics. Unfortunately, this desire is complicated when coupled with the requirements for fire separation between spaces. While there is an ample amount of fire-rated glass available on the market today, owners and architects are limited to the use of either wired glass assemblies (which deter from the intended design use) or expensive laminated glass. For this reason, engineers and architects often turn to sprinkler contractors to aid in providing the required ratings of the glass assemblies with the application of window sprinkler designs. The intent of this article is to discuss the application and pitfalls of window sprinkler design.

Figure 1. TYCO® standard vs. window sprinklers. Image reprinted with permission

by Johnson Controls.

While the applicable use of fire sprinklers for protection of windows design criteria to which a sprinkler system must adhere. In reference appears to be a simple process it is, in actuality, a rather complex to window sprinklers, these requirements fall into three categories: consideration. The first thing is to understand exactly what a building design considerations, glass types, and sprinkler system window sprinkler is and is not, and how to appropriately integrate considerations. them into the sprinkler design of a building; this is a much more complicated process than one might assume. NFPA 13, Standard For a fire sprinkler designer, the use and application of window for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, treats window sprinklers as a sprinklers starts with the building design itself. As8:56:03 a fire sprinkler type of “special application” sprinkler and while NFPA 13 does not https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2018/March/March-JCI-Tyco-6.jpg[8/13/2019 PM] designer, there are a couple of items to look for in these documents. include design parameters in its text, section 8.15.26 was added in • First is the required time of separation. A window sprinkler the 2016 edition and gives limitations on when they may be alternative design can only provide up to a two-hour fire-resistance installed. For this reason, window sprinklers should be incorporated rating. Separations greater than two hours cannot utilize fire into the architectural design drawings by the design professional. It sprinklers in its assembly considerations. I will discuss more is the responsibility of the registered design professional to provide in-depth the importance of knowing the resistance rating when the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) with the documentation looking at the sprinkler system considerations later in the article. that clearly establishes the basis for compliance for a code modifica• Second, a sprinkler designer should also look to see if these walls tion. This compliance is usually aligned with the adopted building are firewalls. Window sprinklers are allowed to be utilized in code of the local AHJs. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to non-load-bearing fire-rated barriers as described in section 707 of the International Building Code (IBC) as it is the local code adopted the IBC, and fire partitions as described in section 708 of the by all of my local AHJs. Section 104.10 of the IBC refers to IBC. These separations are typically constructed of stud and “Alternative material, design, and method of construction and gypsum board assemblies, masonry, and other common construcequipment” and reads very similarly to the NFPA 13 text previously tion type assemblies. In contrast, window sprinklers are not highlighted above. These two sections of text in the IBC and NFPA allowed in firewalls. Firewalls are described in IBC section 706, 13 give latitude to the design team to provide an engineered and are defined in IBC section 202 as, “A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly that utilizes fire sprinklers in the protection of non-firehaving protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and rated glass assemblies. Once a design professional establishes and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, presents the window sprinkler requirements for a particular project, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow and it is accepted by the AHJ, these requirements become the 20 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Example of an office space and vehicle-parking area two-hour separation. Image reprinted with permission by Johnson Controls.

collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.” If a fire sprinkler designer notices this application is misapplied in the design documents, he or she should request information from the design professional of record.

In addition to gathering these important items about the design intent of the project, a fire sprinkler designer should also look for design pitfalls that are often missed. Again, it is important to remember that the developmental requirements for the use of window sprinklers are the responsibility of the professional of record, but fire sprinkler designers still need to understand when and how we can use window sprinklers.

• Window sprinklers are not allowed to be used in locations where detonation and deflagration hazards are present. An example of this would be in a factory or laboratory where the fire code official has identified a specific space containing product or material that code identifies as such hazards.

• Unless a building is 100 percent protected by an active sprinkler system, window sprinklers may not be used in exit passageways, exit enclosures, or horizontal exits.

The last item that a sprinkler designer must take into consideration before designing their system is the glass assembly type. Again, I caution that the responsibility falls on the registered design professional to make sure that these considerations are included in the specifications and design for a project, but a sprinkler designer should be knowledgeable of all the items that directly affect their individual systems. When it comes to the glass assemblies, there are six items that must be considered. A design must take note of glass size, glazing type, glazing frames, horizontal mullions, and openings and penetrations.

• The size of the glass is based on fire testing and sprinkler limitations. The glass height cannot exceed 13 ft, and there is no limitation to the length of the window as the window sprinkler spacing can meet the installation requirements of the manufacturer’s listing.

• Windows intended to be protected by sprinklers must be vertical. Sloped and curved glass cannot be protected by window sprinklers.

• When window sprinklers are utilized in fire separations, the glass must be 1/4-in. thick and heat strengthened or tempered.

• Window frames shall be listed with the same fire-resistance rating as the glass; this is often an overlooked item.

• When dealing with window sprinklers, horizontal mullions are in essence an obstruction to the sprinkler’s spray pattern and prevent the ability for the water to run down the glass face. The intent of a window sprinkler is to completely coat the glass with a water spray in order to keep the glass from failing due to hot spots. (See Figure 1.)

• Window sprinklers are also only intended to protect fixed glass. Operable windows can not be protected. Doors in these fire partitions must be treated separately.

Why Pay More For Your Tools?

When you can buy

QUALITY RECONDITIONED TOOLS

with a full warranty and save money?

THREADER SPECIALS

Ridgid 535 Threader Ridgid 141 Threader – $995 161 Threader – $1,195

$

1,995

Ridgid 300 Threader $

2,195

Call Us Today!

1-800-782-6964 Fax: 864-721-4234

www.ustoolinc.com

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 21

Having discussed building design consideration and glass assemblies, let’s now discuss the sprinkler design side of this. I often see sprinkler designers confuse window protection with atrium glass protection. The IBC 404.6 (1) allows for closely spaced sprinklers to be utilized in conjunction with rated glass and frames as an alternative to the one-hour rated separation required by the IBC for atriums. This allowance by the IBC gives a sprinkler designer the luxury of utilizing sprinkler heads that are not specifically listed for glass protection by utilizing a design as prescribed in NFPA 13 section 11.3.3 for water curtains. While it may be permissible to some AHJs to utilize this in other separations in the building, it is worth noting that the IBC only recognizes this for a one-hour separation specifically in atrium separations. In order to accomplish a two-hour separation, a designer must utilize a specific application window sprinkler.

In designing a system with specific application sprinklers, it is important to follow certain criteria that have clearly been proven successful during fire testing. While window sprinkler design is outside the scope of NFPA 13, it is still part of a functional sprinkler design and must be designed, calculated, sized, and installed per the requirements of NFPA 13. Window sprinklers may be utilized in fully sprinkled and non-sprinkled building in any of the following ways when acceptable to the AHJ: Window Sprinklers may be used in either a sprinklered or unsprinklered building to protect

INSIDE

INSIDE

FIGURE 3A-1 — INTERIOR FIRE SEPARATION

Window Sprinklers may be used in either a sprinklered or unsprinklered building to protect in your building, window sprinklers are installed on the interior side of the glass.

• Interior fire separation where sprinklers are placed on both sides of a non-operable window in order to provide up to a two-hour fire separation in a non-load bearing wall.

• Exterior fire separation where sprinklers are placed on the inside of the building non-operable glass in order to provide up to a two-hour fire separation where required to protection adjacent buildings from a fire in your building.

• Exterior fire separation where sprinklers are placed on the outside of the non-operable glass as part of a deluge sprinkler system in order to protection your building from an adjacent hazard or building. (See Figure 2.)

Window sprinklers can be a horizontal sidewall or a pendant vertical sidewall; the spacing considerations for both sprinkler types and all the options above are the same. Sprinkler minimum separation distance is to be 6 ft unless separated mullion of sufficient depth or a baffle and maximum spacing is to be 8 ft. A mullion is considered to be of sufficient depth when it extends to the back of a pendant vertical sidewall’s deflector, or when it extended to the wrench flat on a horizontal sidewall’s body. On window walls that have mullions, sprinkler heads shall be placed in each mullion segment and shall adhere to the spacing rules above. If sprinkler heads require being closer than 6 ft on center, an additional baffle shall be added. (See Figure 3.)

In window assemblies which do not have mullions, sprinkler heads shall be spaced evenly along the face of the window with a minimum spacing of 6 ft and a maximum spacing of 8 ft. The maximum spacing off a mullion is 4 ft. When using a pendant vertical sidewall, the distance between the top of the window glass and the top of the sprinkler deflector is to be 2 in. and the distance to the face of the sprinkler deflector from the glass is to be 1/2-in. minimum and 4-in. maximum. (See Figure 4 on page 23.)

When using a vertical sidewall, the deflector shall be 3 in. from the top of the glass and the centerline of the sprinkler shall be a minimum 4 in. and maximum 12 in. from the face of the glass.

(See Figure 5 on page 23.)

OUTSIDE

INSIDE EXPOSURE SIDE

HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL MODEL WS SPRINKLER

6'-0" (1,83 m) MINIMUM *

8'-0" (2,44 m) MAXIMUM

* Minimum distance between

FIGURE 3A-2 - EXTERIOR FIRE SEPARATION - SPRINKLERS INSIDE

Window Sprinklers is 6'-0" (1,83 m) unless separated

4'-0" (1,22 m) MAXIMUM 0'-4" (101,6 mm) MINIMUM

MULLION

Window Sprinklers may be used in either a sprinklered or unsprinklered building to protect adjacent building, open window sprinklers are installed on the exterior side of the glass.

INSIDE

HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL MODEL WS SPRINKLER

6'-0" (1,83 m) MINIMUM

OUTSIDE EXPOSURE SIDE

Window Sprinklers are NOT required to be located with respect to horizontal or vertical butt joints.

8'-0" (2,44 m) MAXIMUM MULLION

BUTT JOINT

4'-0" (1,22 m) MAXIMUM 0'-4" (101,6 mm) MINIMUM

FIGURE 3A-3 - EXTERIOR FIRE SEPARATION - SPRINKLERS OUTSIDE FIGURE 3A (A-1 TO A-3) TYPICAL NON-OPERABLE WINDOW OPENINGS © Johnson 2019 Figure 2. Typical non-operable window openings. Image reprintedControls with permission

by Johnson Controls © Johnson Controls 2019.

22 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

© Johnson Controls 2019

Figure 3. On window walls that have mullions, sprinkler heads shall be placed in each mullion segment and shall adhere to the spacing rules above. If sprinkler heads require being closer than 6 ft on center, an additional baffle shall be added. Image reprinted with permission by Johnson Controls © Johnson Controls 2019.

BUILDING STRUCTURE

"TOP" INDICATED ON SPRINKLER DEFLECTOR

CENTERLINE OF SPRINKLER WATERWAY

BUILDING STRUCTURE

NO MAXIMUM DISTANCE

NO MAXIMUM DISTANCE

WINDOW FRAME

NO MAXIMUM HEIGHT

2" (50,8 mm) ± 1" (25,4 mm) 1/2" (12,7 mm) TO 4" (101,6 mm)

13'-0" (3,96 m) MAXIMUM EXPOSED GLAZING HEIGHT

NON-OPERABLE GLASS WINDOW INSTALLATION NOTE: POSITION SPRINKLER WITH FRAME ARMS ALIGNED VERTICALLY AND MARKED SIDE OF DEFLECTOR FACING AND PARALLEL TO GLAZING

FOR GLASS TYPES OTHER THAN FIRELITE PLUS WS CERAMIC GLASS

BY TGP, ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS SHALL BE KEPT 2" (50,8 mm) MINIMUM FROM SPRINKLERED FACE OF GLAZING. THIS MAY BE DONE THROUGH USE OF MINIMUM 3'-0" (0,9 m) PONY WALL

MODEL WS SPRINKLER SHOWN ON ONE SIDE OF GLAZING FOR CLARITY

WINDOW FRAME

FLOW DIRECTION INDICATED ON SPRINKLER DEFLECTOR NO MAXIMUM HEIGHT

3" (76,2 mm) ± 1" (25,4 mm)

4" (101,6 mm) TO 12" (304,8 mm)

13'-0" (3,96 m) MAXIMUM EXPOSED GLAZING HEIGHT

NON-OPERABLE GLASS WINDOW INSTALLATION NOTE: POSITION SPRINKLER WITH FRAME ARMS ALIGNED PARALLEL TO GLAZING AND DEFLECTOR FLOW ARROW POINTED TOWARD GLAZING

FOR GLASS TYPES OTHER THAN FIRELITE PLUS WS CERAMIC GLASS

BY TGP, ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS SHALL BE KEPT 2" (50,8 mm) MINIMUM FROM SPRINKLERED FACE OF GLAZING. THIS MAY BE DONE THROUGH USE OF MINIMUM 3'-0" (0,9 m) PONY WALL

MODEL WS SPRINKLER SHOWN ON ONE SIDE OF GLAZING FOR CLARITY

FIGURE 3C typical installation. Image re-printed Figure 4. Model WS horizontal sidewall sprinkler MODEL WS HORIZONTAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER with permission

by JohnsonTYPICAL Controls © Johnson Controls 2019.

INSTALLATION

Figure 5. Model WS pendent verticalFIGURE sidewall3Dsprinkler typicall installation. Image MODEL WS PENDENT VERTICAL SIDEWALL SPRINKLER reprinted with permission by TYPICAL Johnson Controls © Johnson Controls 2019.

INSTALLATION

Johnson Controls 2019 Once all the window sprinklers have been©placed accordingly, a calculation must be completed. All calculations should be based on sprinkler heads flowing 20 gpm for sprinklers spaced at 6-8 ft on center or 15 gpm when sprinklers are less than 6 ft on center.

Sprinkler pressures cannot exceed 70 psi for horizontal sidewall sprinklers without baffles, and a maximum of 175 psi for horizontal sidewalls with baffles and vertical sidewalls. From this point, the calculations are based on whether the building is sprinklered or non-sprinklered, and the method of protection required.

© Johnson is water duration. While it seems self-explanatory, theControls water 2019 duration shall be equivalent to the separation rating. If the separation rating provided by the window sprinklers is to be two-hour, then the water supply for the window sprinklers shall be capable of providing the calculated volume for that two hours.

When a building is 100 percent sprinkled and window sprinklers are being used to provide an interior fire separation, the most hydraulically demanding 46.5 linear feet (LF) of sprinklers are to be calculated. This is based on the NFPA 13 equation of length of a design area of 1500 ft², which is 1.2√(area). It is permissible to reduce this area if the sprinkler system has utilized a reduction in area for the use of quick response heads. The reduction can be no less than 36 LF. If the fire sprinkler system’s most demanding remote area and the most remote window sprinkler area are expected to be activated by a single fire, the window sprinkler must be added to and balanced with the overhead sprinkler demand.

While this is not required if the window sprinklers are in a different area than the sprinkler system’s most demanding area, it is still necessary to prove that the sprinkler system area and the window sprinkler area can simultaneously active.

• When a building is not sprinklered and window sprinklers are utilized to provide a rated separation interior to the building, all the sprinklers on the most demanding side of the window shall be calculated.

• When a building utilizes a deluge sprinkler system to provide a separation to adjacent buildings on the outside of the building, all sprinklers controlled by that deluge valve shall be calculated.

The final thing for which a fire sprinkler designer must account for

Moving forward in construction, it’s clear to see that architects and owners will continue to utilize the esthetical and economic advantages of glass in their designs. Fire sprinkler providers will need to be diligent in determining when and where this glass may infringe on sprinkler requirements for a building.

When windows are included in the code-required fire separations, sprinkler contractors are likely to be employed in helping design professionals meet these requirements. While the responsibility to provide the information and design criteria to the local AHJs will be that of the licensed design professionals, fire sprinkler contractors need to be aware of the advantages and limitations of these systems. The utilization of window sprinklers to provide up to a two-hour rating is a useful tool at our disposal when properly incorporated into a building design. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Kachura, P.E., is a major projects salesman and project manager for Southeast Fire Protection, L.P., Houston, Texas. He has a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from Texas Tech University, multiple licenses with the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, and is a registered P.E. in the State of Texas. He is a member of the NFPA 30 Storage and Warehouse of Containers and Portable Tanks Committee, AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 23

And the Winner is...

Meet the 26th Annual National Apprentice Competition Finalists REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is excited to host its 26th Annual Apprentice Competition this year at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in San Diego, California. This event allows apprentices representing member companies from across the country to compete in two phases of testing, written and hands-on, for the chance at national recognition and cash prizes! However, winning is no easy feat as the competition culminates in a hands-on, live test October 4 on the bustling floor of AFSA38’s exhibit hall—an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, experience for all!

Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chair of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee, was created to promote apprentice training and give recognition to the apprentices who are actively enrolled in the AFSA Apprenticeship Program. Twenty-six years later, the competition continues to attract more fire sprinkler apprentices from AFSA local chapters and member training programs from all corners of United States bringing them together annually for the fire sprinkler industry’s foremost showcase of training excellence.

AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition, started in 1994 by the late

Becoming A Finalist Eligibility for apprentices to compete is based the

SAFE

ACCURATE

SIMPLE

In-Line Pitotless Nozzles • FM Approved • Read flow-rates at the source using The Monster Meter™ • Lightweight and compact design – Only 12 lbs. • Ideal for NFPA 20 and 25 testing in stairwells • Industry Leading Versatility & Portability

For More Information and Other Products

Visit hosemonster.com or call 847-447-6347

24 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

following criteria: their employer must be a member of AFSA in good standing, the apprentice must actively be participating in the AFSA apprenticeship courses or enrolled in NCCER/ AFSA Contren Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting Training Series, and they must have at least one year of field experience with a minimum of six months combined hands-on experience in cutting, threading, and installing steel pipe and CPVC pipe.

The first phase of competition consists of a two-hour multiplechoice, written exam provided by AFSA. Last year for the first time in the history of the competition, AFSA distributed the exam through online testing for Phase I of the competition. The initial qualifying took place online, instead of in a proctored location at a designated time as in years past. The addition of this new testing system continues to provide a whole host of new, convenient benefits for those competing this year. First and foremost, the system has increased the convenience of testing for those who participated.

Apprentices only had to schedule a time during the testing window and be available to test online during their scheduled time. This change also allowed, for the second year, apprentices from all 50 states to be eligible to compete in Phase I testing.

The top seven scoring apprentices in Phase I receive the following: a full registration to AFSA38 as well as a second full registration for their employer, an expense-paid trip to San Diego to compete, accommodations at the Embassy Suites, and a brand new set of hand tools to use in Phase II.

Arias

Martinez

Feeney

Sutter

Phase II entails a more thorough written exam, followed by a live practical in the exhibition hall at AFSA38 in San Diego. The Phase II exam is based on all four levels of the AFSA/NCCER Contren Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. Following the written exam is the live practical exam where finalists cut, thread, and install a steel and CPVC piping system with sprinkler heads and perform a water pressure test.

The mini fire sprinkler systems are graded on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety. The combined results of Phase II’s written and hands-on tests determine the year’s winner. Much is on the line for these apprentice hopefuls as prizes are awarded based on finishing rank: first place takes home a $5,000 cash prize, second place receives $3,000, third place receives $2,000, and all other finalists receive $1,000.

Get to Know the Finalists This year the nation’s top seven apprentices will make their way to San Diego to try their luck at becoming the next AFSA National

Headrick

Trella

Apprentice Competition champion. To help you get to know the finalists before attending the live competition at AFSA38 to cheer them on, Sprinkler Age caught up with each finalist for a quick Q&A. Fernando Arias, A & D Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Anaheim, CA What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I enjoy what I do. This industry is one that I could say I don’t see as work! What we do makes a difference in everyday life. Somewhere out there is a system that a fitter installed that could save someone’s life. I’m glad to be a part of an industry that focuses on fire, life, and safety.

What advice would you give someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? I would tell them to get ready to get their hands dirty and to be ready to go home smelling like cutting oil. I would advise them to be sure to look for a company that is going to have an apprenticeship program so that they could learn the trade by doing hands-on at work and getting as much knowledge from the books as from at school.

Whitten

Brian Feeney, Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, FL Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? My father was in the industry and I thought it would be a good career for me to have as we will always need to provide life safety for the protection of property and people.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I love the satisfaction of saying we put the fire sprinklers in building and knowing that we did it with integrity and moral ethics.

Joe Headrick, Rapid Fire Protection, Bismarck, ND What does the future of the industry look like to you?

The future of fire protection looks to be advancement in fitting techniques and materials which will create more opportunities in the industry for all.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? I would tell them to work hard and be safe. It is important to have a good attitude and know that with every job that passes, you will have more experience to add to your own qualifications.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 25

Federico Martinez, Jr., Western Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, CA What is the key ingredient to your success?

The key to my success has always been my family. My family is not just home, but it’s also my co-workers who I am on the job site with. My family is always there to support me and keep pushing me to the next level, even if the job is hard. I’m happy to say my family is the main reason I am who I am today.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I honestly believe it’s the people I work with. Co-workers and superiors alike, we are all in it together as a team.

I consider this team a part of my family. Not only do we have the chance to better ourselves as individuals, but we also deliver safety to the people of our community. We go through both the fun times and the hard times, but in the end, we succeed as a team.

Ricky Sutter, JPI Development Group, Inc., Murrieta, CA What does the future of the industry look like to you? The future of the industry looks

quite promising, and I look forward to continuing my career in fire protection.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? It may be a physically demanding trade, but it is a rewarding one.

Kevin Trella, Central Connecticut Fire Protection, Meriden, CT Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I chose to pursue a career in fire protection because I wanted to save lives and be a part of a cause larger than myself.

What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? I enjoy that I get to problem solve and work with my hands to install systems that protect life and property.

Jared Whitten, Sunland Fire Protection, Jamestown, NC What is the key ingredient to your success? The key ingredient to my success is perseverance and attention to detail.

AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School • 60% Study & review of NFPA 13, 2016 Ed. • 40% Prep of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings

Including manual hydraulic calculations, preparing students for easier decision-making process when using CAD.

2019 SCHEDULE October 7 - 18 November 11 - 22

Enrollment is now open

VISIT

firesprinkler.org/schools 26 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? I would say to be prepared to work hard and to always be open to anyone you can learn from.

Join AFSA in San Diego Which of our seven highly qualified finalists will emerge on top at AFSA’s 26th Annual National Apprentice Competition?

Watch the competition live at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition on Friday, October 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the exhibition hall. The winner will be crowned at the Apprentice Awards Party at SeaWorld San Diego Friday evening.

AFSA wishes all of our capable finalists the best of luck in the competition! For more information about the competition, or all things AFSA38, visit www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA38. n

To the contractor who demands more.

Your job is critical and your responsibilities are complex. Accurate, on-time deliveries should be the least of your worries. That’s why Viking SupplyNet leverages a national network of distribution and fabrication centers to deliver complete orders accurately and on time. Consider it a promise, from one fire sprinkler professional to another.

Contact us to get started.

Exposure Protection What is it?

E. PARKS MOORE, PE, CFPS, SET | S&S Sprinkler Company, LLC

Exposure protection refers to the protecting of a structure from a nearby fire. This can be in the form of radiation from a nearby fire, exposure to flames from a jetting fire, from a burning building or roof at a lower elevation than the exposed building, or from flying burning debris.1 For the purposes of clarifying terminology, the exposed building is the building that is being protected from fire and the exposing building is the building that is creating a potential fire risk towards the exposed building. This article will address how to determine the required separation distance between an exposed and an exposing building using the method in NFPA 80A, Standard for Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposure. It will also explain some of the basic requirements for laying out an automatic exposure protection sprinkler system.

NFPA 80A states that its purpose is to provide a reasonable degree of protection from exterior fire exposures to give first responders time to mobilize and attack an adjacent fire threat. The simplest way to accomplish this task is to create adequate space between the exposing and exposed structures.

NFPA 80A provides the method for determining the required separation based on several factors including construction materials, building height and width, number and size of openings in the walls, and the presence of active fire protection systems.

The first step in determining the required separation distance between two buildings is to classify the severity of the exposure. NFPA 80A classifies the potential severity as light, moderate, or severe, based on two factors—the fuel load per floor area (lb/ft2) and the flame spread rating of the exposing building’s interior wall and ceiling finishes as per ASTM E84,

Figure 1. Table 4.3.5.2(a) Severity of Fire Load. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures, 2017 edition. Copyright © 2016, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 13, please go to www.nfpa.org.

28 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. (See Figures 1 and 2 below). The standard states that the more severe of these two criteria should always be used in determining the severity classification.

Once the severity has been established, the next step in determining the building separation distance is to determine the width and height of the exposing structure and the percentage of openings on the exposing wall. According to NFPA 80A, 2017 edition, section 4.3.2.1: “The width of the exposing fire should be considered to be the length in feet of the exposing wall between interior fire separations or between exterior end walls where no fire separations exist.” The height of the exposing structure should be the height expected to contribute to the exposing fire. These two dimensions are used to calculate the width/height (w/h) or height/width (h/w) ratio. The larger of the two ratios is used. The percentage of openings is calculated by taking the total surface area of door and window openings on the exposing wall divided by the total surface of the exposing wall and multiplying by 100. The larger of the w/h or h/w ratios, along with the severity and the percentage of openings are applied to Table 4.3.7.3 from NFPA 80A (see Figure 3 on page 29) to figure the Guide Number. The Guide Number is multiplied by the lesser dimension of the width or the height of the exposing wall, and 5 feet is added to the product of those two numbers. This yields the required separation distance.

Now let’s look at a simple example to illustrate. Figure 4 (on page 29) shows a two-story building with an exposing face that is 30-ft tall and 100-ft wide. The first floor has two evenly spaced windows

Figure 2. Table 4.3.5.2(b) Severity of Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures, 2017 edition. Copyright © 2016, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 13, please go to www.nfpa.org.

Figure 3. Table 4.3.7.3. Guide Numbers for Minimum Separation Distances. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures, 2017 edition. Copyright Š 2016, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 13, please go to www.nfpa.org.

measuring 3-ft wide by 4-ft high and a door that measures 3-ft wide by 7-ft high. The second floor contains three evenly spaced 3-ft by 4-ft windows. There are no internal fire separations. For simplicity, we will assume that the exposing building has a flat, noncombustible roof that will not contribute to the fire. The average fire loading in the building is 7 lb/ft2 (light severity) and the interior

wall and ceiling finishes have an average flame spread index of 30 (moderate severity). Since the more severe of these two classifications must be used, the exposing building will be classified as having a moderate severity rating. Assume that the exposed building is of combustible exterior siding and is also two stories, 100-ft wide and 30-ft tall with two evenly spaced rows of three windows measuring

EXPOSED BUILDING FACE

EXPOSING BUILDING FACE Figure 4. A two-story building with an exposing face that is 30-ft tall and 100-ft wide.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 29

Second: Calculate the percentage of openings for the exposing building.

5 windows @ 3 ft x 4 ft = 5 x 3 x 4 = 60 ft2 1 door @ 3 ft x 7 ft = 3 x 7 = 21 ft2 Total area of exposed side = 30 ft x 100 ft = 3000 ft2 Percentage of openings = (60 + 21) / 3000 = 0.027 * 100 = 2.7% openings

Figure 5. Table 7.7.8.4 Position of Window Sprinklers. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition. Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 13, please go to www.nfpa.org.

3-ft wide by 4-ft tall. The windows are ordinary single-plate glass windows that project inwards 2 inches from the exterior wall surface. In order to make full use of the property, the builder’s desired building separation is 10 feet.

First: Calculate w/h and h/w for the exposing building. w = 100 feet h = 30 feet w/h = 100/30 = 3.33 h/w = 30/100 = 0.30 The larger of these two values must be used, so use w/h = 3.33

Third: Determine the guide number from Figure 3.

Using the percentage of openings value of 2.7 percent and a severity of moderate places us in the first row of numbers in Figure 3. Interpolation between values is allowed when applicable. Moving across to the right on the table to the previously calculated w/h ratio of 3.33 lands between 3.2 and 4. The w/h or h/w numbers are the values across the top of the table that range from 1.0 to 40. Interpolation is allowed here as well.

Interpolation for a w/h of 3.33 yields a guide number of 0.492.

Fourth: Calculate the required separation distance.

Multiply the guide number by the smaller of the exposing building’s height or width and add 5 feet.

Solution: (0.49 x 30 ft) + 5 ft = 20 feet of required minimum separation between the exposing and exposed buildings.

The above is a simplified example. There is a more detailed example in Annex B of NFPA 80A if the reader wishes to review a more involved scenario.

Figure 6. Table 23.6.1 Exposure Protection. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition. Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 13, please go to www.nfpa.org.

30 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

1951 Civil Defense Test New York City Fire Department demonstrating how quick and easy Victaulic piping systems are assembled.

“OUR CENTENNIAL ‘INNOVERSARY’ IS NOT ONLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK BACK ON OUR ACHIEVEMENTS, IT’S ALSO GREAT MOTIVATION TO MAKE OUR NEXT CENTURY EVEN MORE VALUABLE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS AND REWARDING FOR OUR EMPLOYEES.” JOHN F. MALLOY

Chairman, President and CEO

victaulic.com © 2019 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Figure 7. One possible layout for the sprinklers to protect an exposed wall.

If the calculated minimum separation between the two buildings is undesirable, there are several allowances whereby it can be reduced or eliminated. These means are listed in section 5.6 of NFPA 80A. If it can be determined that the exposing building is protected throughout with an approved and properly maintained sprinkler system, then no exposure hazard is considered to exist from the exposing building. Tables 5.6.1(a) through 5.6.1(e) of NFPA 80A provide multiple allowable adjustments in the required separation distance. The appropriate table must be selected based on the construction of the exposed building. Since the exposed building is of combustible exterior construction, refer to Table 5.6.1(a). Since the required separation is 20 ft, a 50 percent reduction in spacing would be needed to accomplish the builder’s goal of a 10-ft separation. Per the table, the installation of an automatic exposure protection sprinkler system over the entire wall, including the glass windows, would allow for a 50 percent reduction in the required spacing.

There are several factors that allow for reductions in the separation distance. These include fire-resistant exposed walls with 3-hour minimum resistance, automatic closers over wall openings with ž-hour minimum protection, installing automatic sprinkler exposure protection over wall openings, or installing automatic sprinkler exposure protection over the entire exposed wall surface. Depending on which options are chosen and the construction of the exposed walls, the separation may be allowed to be reduced anywhere from 50 percent up to the elimination of the requirement for a separation distance altogether (0-ft separation). In reality, a 0-ft separation may not be allowed due to required property set-backs, fire department access, or local ordinances, so additional research is recommended.

Where automatic sprinkler systems are utilized for exposure protection, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, gives designers some direction for protection of windows, wall surfaces, combustible cornices, and combustible roofs. Exposure protection sprinkler systems must be automatic unless they are constantly attended.

32 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

A single row of sprinklers may only protect up to a maximum of two stories or two levels of windows that are aligned vertically. Where windows on a protected wall project inward or outward more than 1 inch, those windows must be protected with a dedicated sprinkler(s). This is because rundown of water on the surface of the wall will be interrupted by the projections, preventing proper coverage of the wall or the window below if only a single sprinkler were utilized. When protecting window openings, listed window sprinklers are required to be used. The window sprinklers must be installed within 2 in. vertically below the window sash and installed horizontally outward from the window surface as required by NFPA 13. (See Figure 5 on page 30.) This same table also dictates the number of sprinklers and minimum K-factor required based on the overall width of the window being protected.

Sprinklers used for wall protection must be located 6 to 12 inches horizontally out from the wall and within 6 inches vertically of the top edge of the wall. Horizontal spacing is limited to 8-ft maximum on center.

In Table 23.6.1 of NFPA 13, 2016 edition, Section A lists the required minimum K-factors and minimum densities for window and wall protection. It also gives the number of levels of sprinklers required to be calculated for closed head systems. (See Figure 6 on page 30.) The guide number, as calculated from NFPA 80A, determines this requirement.

For open head deluge systems, all heads on a system are required to be calculated.

Non-directional spray sprinklers, such as pendents or uprights may be used instead of directional spray nozzles for exposure protection of wall surfaces; however, only half of the discharge from non-directional sprinklers may be credited towards the applied density on the exposed surface. This is because only half of the spray pattern will be delivered onto the wall surface to contribute to the cooling of the exposed surface. The other half of the discharge from the sprinkler will be wasted. As can be seen in Figure 5, the required densities can be quite high for the upper levels for moderate and severe exposures, so care should be exercised in the selection of nozzles and sprinklers.

The use of non-directional sprinklers could result in substan-

tial required flow rates from individual sprinklers where 50 percent of the water cannot be counted.

Figure 7 shows one possible layout for the sprinklers to protect the exposed wall from the above example. To illustrate the point about water wastage from the use of non-directional sprinklers in the paragraph above, standard spray uprights have been selected. A single row of sprinklers could be used in this scenario for wall protection since the building is only two stories in height, but two rows have been shown to reduce the required discharge per sprinkler head. Figure 6 shows that the minimum required density for the top two levels of sprinklers for a moderate severity is 0.3 gpm/ft2 and the minimum K factor is 5.6. The following is the calculation for the require discharge for the sprinklers protecting the wall: 8 ft (horizontal spacing) x 15 (vertical spacing) = 120 ft2 120 ft2 x 0.3 gpm/ft2 = 36 gpm Since these are standard spray uprights, only 50 percent of the discharge can be applied to the protection of the wall. Therefore, the required discharge must be doubled.

36 gpm per sprinkler x 2 = 72 gpm per sprinkler So, the required minimum pressure from the 11.2 K upright is: 72 gpm / 11.2K =√(P) P = 41.3 psi If a directional nozzle had been selected, then the minimum required pressure could have been reduced to 10.3 psi for the same head or to 20.3 psi for an 8.0 K head.

The following calculation is for the window sprinklers: 3 ft x 4 ft = 12 ft2 x 0.3 gpm/ft2 = 3.6 gpm Since the windows are being protected with a listed window sprinkler, there is no penalty for the use of a non-directional sprinkler head.

3.6 gpm / 5.6K =√(P) P < 1 psi Because the calculated pressure is less than 7 psi, the minimum required pressure is 7 psi unless the listing of the window sprinkler has a higher minimum required pressure.

NFPA 13 requires that the exposure protection system must have an adequate water supply to allow for the simultaneous operation of all sprinklers on an exposure up to a maximum of 300 horizontal feet of exposure. If the system is an open head deluge system, then the water supply must be capable of supporting the simultaneous full flow of all deluge systems having nozzles within a contiguous 300-ft area of exposure.

Depending on the arrangement of the sprinkler system, this could include the flow of sprinklers on adjacent sides of the building. Regardless of the exposure system type, the water supply must be able to meet the required system demand for a 60-minute duration.

listed cornice sprinklers must also be installed. Cornice sprinklers are required where combustible cornices exceed 12 inches in depth. Cornice sprinklers are calculated similarly to water curtains. Section B in Figure 6 provides the discharge requirements for these sprinklers. Their required application rates are based on a minimum flow per linear foot of cornice as measured along the wall of the exposed surface of the building.

The guide number from NFPA 80A also determines the required discharge, as shown in Section B. Exposure protection sprinkler systems are not widely used in most parts of the country, perhaps in part because fire loss due to external exposure is less common than loss from fires that start inside of a building. In addition, it is a challenge to install an exterior sprinkler system with concealed piping and aesthetically pleasing sprinkler heads. Many building owners and architects will not enthusiastically welcome the added cost and appearance of such devices. However, with the recent fire losses that our country’s West Coast has suffered from wildland fires, both active and passive exposure protection methods are likely to gain popularity in the future. n REFERENCES: 1. Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, NFPA, Quincy, MA, 2008.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Parks Moore is chief executive officer of S&S Sprinkler Company, LLC in Mobile, Alabama. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in business administration from Tulane University. Parks is a licensed fire protection engineer, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist and holds a NICET IV certification in water-based systems layout. He currently serves as an alternate member on the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Installation, principal member of the NFPA 15 Technical Committee for Water Spray Fixed Systems, and is a former member of the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Hanging and Bracing. Moore is a past president of the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association and has been actively involved as one of its board members since 2007. He is a member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

When an exposed building employs an exposure protection sprinkler system and the building has combustible cornices, Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 33

The Compensability of Travel Time Under FLSA The Question of Travel Time DANIEL R. MCCABE | Canterbury Gooch Surratt Shapiro Stein Gaswirth & Jones, P.C.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Through this article, AFSA is attempting to bring this issue to contractor members’ attention and recommends members discuss this law’s implications with a local labor attorney and review company policy to ensure that they are in compliance with the law.

Recently, we have fielded questions from members concerning whether, and under what circumstances, hour (nonexempt) employees must be paid for travel time. As discussed below, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires compensation for much, but

not all, of the employees’ travel time.

Further, the determination in an individual situation is highly fact-specific, requiring that the employer analyze travel time on a case-by-case basis.

To assist in our exploration of the federal law in this area, we can apply it against three common factual scenarios: Scenario 1: An hourly employee travels by plane from home state on a Sunday for a job beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday at an out-of-state job site. The job generally lasts Monday through Friday, with travel home on Friday after the job is over or, occasionally, on Saturday when Friday flights are not available.

Scenario 2: An hourly employee travels from home to the employer’s facility to receive instructions or pick up equipment and then travels to the job site location. The travel time from home to facility varies depending on where the employee lives and can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour or more. All of this travel is in an assigned company vehicle.

Scenario 3: Hourly employees drive from their homes to multiple different job site locations on any given day.

The Law As mentioned above, the governing federal law is the FLSA, both its text and its implementing regulations, as well as the interpretation given to the statute and regulations by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the Department of Labor, which enforces the FLSA. The FLSA, as a general matter, requires employers to pay employees for their work. The

34 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

FLSA defines “employ” as including “to suffer or permit to work,” 29 U.S.C. 203(g), but does not explicitly define what constitutes ‘’work.” The U.S. Supreme Court initially explained that compensable time under the FLSA includes employees’ activities “controlled or required by the employer and pur-sued necessarily and primarily for the benefit of the employer and his business,” as well as “all time during which an employee is necessarily required to be on the employer’s premises, on duty or at a prescribed workplace.” Anderson v.

Mt. Clemens Pottery Co., 328 U.S. 680, 690-92 (1946). Such “expansive definitions” provoked a flood of litigation, and Congress responded swiftly by passing the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947, 29 U.S.C. §§ 251-262, which correspondingly limited the operation of the FLSA. The Portal-to-Portal Act provides that employers do not need to compensate employees for: 1) walking, riding, or traveling to and from the actual place of performance of the principal activity or activities which [an] employee is employed to perform, and 2) activities which are preliminary to or postliminary to said principal activity or activities, which occur either prior to the time on any particular workday at which such employee commences, or subsequent to the time on any particular workday at which he ceases, such principal activity or activities. 29 U.S.C. § 254(a).

These standards make clear that compensable worktime generally does

A Leading Distributor of Fire Protection Products & Services

WE’RE ALL ABOUT

local

When you need local, reliable service, the fire protection experts at Core & Main have your back.

We’re on your team from the start—and when the unexpected happens.

We’re just around the corner and

PRJ 19-026-01

in your corner.

PATMSA20190801

OUR VISION To foster a world where communities thrive because our people and products provide safe, sustainable infrastructure for generations to come.

Local Knowledge | Local Experience | Local Service, Nationwide®

coreandmainfire.com

not include time spent commuting to or from work. FLSA regulations further clarify that “[n]ormal travel from home to work is not worktime” regardless of whether [the employee] works at a fixed location or at different job sites.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.35. Unlike ordinary commute time, however,“travel from job site to job site during the workday, must be counted as hours worked.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.38.

At times employers require that employees travel away from their home communities overnight. In these circumstances, the regulations provide that “[t]ravel away from home is clearly work-time when it cuts across the employee’s workday.

The employee is simply substituting travel for other duties.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.39. Importantly, that compensable time includes “all time spent in such travel during the hours which correspond to [the employee’s] normal hours of work, including those hours on Saturday and Sunday which correspond to [the employee’s] normal working hours on other days of the week”). Thus, by way of example, if an employee regularly works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday the travel time during these hours is worktime on Saturday and Sunday as well as on the other days. As an enforcement policy, WHD “will not consider as worktime that time spent in travel away from home outside of regular working hours as a passenger on an airplane, train, boat, bus, or automobile.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.39.

In short, “the principles which apply in determining whether or not time spent in travel is working time depend on the kind of travel involved.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.33.

Scenario 1 Scenario 1 addresses the compensability of travel time for hourly employees who take a flight on Sunday for a job that begins on Monday at 8:00 a.m. These employees return home on Friday after the job concludes, although they occasionally travel home on Saturday if earlier flights are not available.

36 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Such travel away from the employee’s home community “is clearly worktime when it cuts across the employee’s [regular] workday,” as “[t]he employee is simply substituting travel for other duties.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.39.

And, as referenced above, WHD does “not consider as worktime that time spent in travel away from home outside of regular working hours as a passenger on an airplane, train, boat, bus, or automobile.” Id. A related issue raised in Scenario 1, however, is how to determine what travel time is compensable when there is no regular workday. As a general matter, in its investigations, WHD carefully scrutinizes claims that employees have no regular or normal working hours. In WHD’s experience, a review of employees’ time records usually reveals work patterns sufficient to establish regular work hours. In Mendez v. Radec Corp., 232 F.R.O. 78 (W.D.N.Y. 2005), for example, a company contended that it did not owe employees pay for travel away from their home communities because the employees did not have “normal working hours.” Id. at 86. The court ultimately was “not persuaded by this argument,” as it analyzed the employees’ time records and, among other things, observed that the records “tend[ed] to be consistent” in terms of both the employees’ start times and end times. Id. at 86-87. That said, WHD recognizes that certain employees do not have normal work hours.

There are different methods that an employer may use to reasonably ascertain an employee’s normal work hours for purposes of determining compensable travel time under 29 C.F.R. § 785.39. One permissible method is to review the employee’s time records during the most recent month of regular employment. If the records reveal typical work hours, the employer may consider those as the normal hours going forward unless some subsequent material change in circumstances indicates the normal hours have changed. If the records do not reveal any normal working hours, the employer may instead choose the

average start and end times for the employee’s workdays. As another alternative, in the rare case in which employees truly have no normal work hours, the employer and employee may negotiate and agree to a reasonable amount of time or timeframe in which travel outside of employees’ home communities is compensable.

This is not an exhaustive list of the permissible methods for determining an employee’s normal start times or end times under 29 C.F.R. § 785.39.

But when an employer reasonably uses any of these methods to determine employees’ normal working hours for purposes of determining compensable travel time under 29 C.F.R. § 785.39, WHD will not find a violation for compensating employees’ travel only during those working hours.

Importantly, “any work which an employee is required to perform while traveling must be counted as hours worked” regardless of whether it falls within the regular workday. 29 C.F.R. § 785.41. For example, when work planning is conducted during the travel time, such as review of schematics or discussion of the division and order of work on the job, then those employees engaged in that activity must be paid for that time, regardless that the “staging meeting” occurs in a moving vehicle on a Sunday evening.

This raises the issue of whether compensable travel time will differ if an employee chooses to forego travel by plane and instead travels by automobile. “If any employee is offered public transportation but requests permission to drive his [or her] car instead, the employer may count as hours worked either the time spent driving the car or the time he [or she] would have had to count as hours worked during working hours if the employee had used the public conveyance.” 29 C.F.R. § 785.40. In other words, the employer may compensate the employee for the shorter period of time.

As for compensability of travel time for an employee’s commute between a

job site and the hotel in which he or she spends the night, WHD has confirmed that when an employee is temporarily working at a fixed remote location, generally, the travel time from the hotel to the work site and back would be considered ordinary home-to-work travel, and, as such, need not be compensated.

Scenarios 2 and 3 Scenarios 2 and 3 deal largely with ordinary commutes to and from work. In Scenario 2, hourly employees travel from their homes to the employer’s facility to receive instructions or pick up equipment before traveling to the job site. Employees’ commute time to and from home may vary, and they ordinarily use a company vehicle. In Scenario 3, employees may drive from home to multiple different job sites on any given day.

As confirmed above, compensable worktime generally does not include time spent commuting between home and work, even when the employee works at different job sites. See 29 U.S.C. § 254(a); 29 C.F.R. § 785.35. WHD takes the position commuting time between home and a job site not to be compensable “unless the time involved is extraordinary.”

A reason-ability test must be applied by the employer, however, as WHD has observed that when an employee’s “commute to the first job site in the morning takes four hours, it would consider the greater portion of travel time compensable.” While the line between reasonable and unreasonable is not entirely clear, it is safe to say that the equivalent of any long commute in a business’ locale need not be compensated. Even with some amount of uncertainty, this rule provides the employer with great flexibility. As such, it may shift employees from job site to job site, even on a daily basis, despite the resulting variation in commute times, provided that the employees travel to the job site directly from their homes.

Travel between job sites after arriving at work, however, always is compensable.

29 C.F.R. § 785.38 (“[T]ravel from job site to job site during the workday, must be counted as hours worked. Where an employee is required to report at a meeting place to receive instructions or

to perform other work there, or to pick up and to carry tools, the travel from the designated place to the work place is part of the day’s work, and must be counted as hours worked regardless of contract, custom, or practice.”).

Finally, there is the question of whether use of a company vehicle makes otherwise noncompensable travel time compensable.

Of course, as discussed above, travel between job sites during the workday is already compensable. 29 C.F.R. § 785.38.

With respect to commuting time, however, the law specifies that use of a companyprovided vehicle does not, alone, make an ordinary commute compensable, provided that “the use of such vehicle for travel is within the normal commuting area for the employer’s business or establishment and the use of the employer’s vehicle is subject to an agreement on the part of the employer and the employee or representative of such employee.” 29 U.S.C. § 254(a) (providing that agreements to use employer-provided vehicles need not be written, and may also be “based on established industry or employer practices”).

Recap Travel time outside of work hours or as a commute generally need not be compensated. Conversely, travel time during work hours, especially between facilities and/or job sites, or travel time during which work is conducted, must be compensated. Further, an employer must analyze any given travel event or type of travel time on an individualized basis. And, as always, if you have questions or issues not addressed, you are encouraged to contact me directly. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daniel R. McCabe is AFSA’s general counsel and is an attorney with Canterbury Gooch Surratt Shapiro Stein Gaswirth & Jones, P.C. in Dallas.

EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA’s contractor members are entitled to a free initial consultation with McCabe on labor and employment issues.

Questions should be directed to McCabe via phone 972-239-7493 or fax 972-490-7739.

He will give initial advice, at no cost, to AFSA members, and if further action is deemed necessary, can assist members with finding counsel in their city.

L4N1 #02690 Dog-bone style with four socket sizes: 1-1/4", 1-1/8", 1-1/16" and 15/16".

ready to

REACH IN

THRU-BOLT TM MULTI-SOCKET RATCHET WRENCHES • Ideal wrench for water, sewer and gas installations and maintenance.

• Designed for tight places.

• Ergonomic handle grip – 17" long for better reach.

L2N1ADJ #02695 Adjustable head allows easy access to hard-to-reach spaces with 1-1/4" and 1-1/16" sockets.

Reed Manufacturing • Erie, PA USA • reedsales@reedmfgco.com • www.reedmfgco.com

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 37

Madison West Receives De Camara Scholarship Contributions Support Exceptional Fire Protection Engineers D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Each year, the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) come together to award the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship, established to honor a man who was dedicated to the fire sprinkler industry. That scholarship awards $3,500 to an exceptional junior or senior studying fire protection engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park, De Camara’s alma mater. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the recipient is Madison West.

“It really means a lot to me to receive the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship,” comments West. “This generous award allows me to focus on my studies and relieves some of the burden of paying for my degree. More importantly, receiving this scholarship validates all of the hard work I’ve put into my past three years at the University of Maryland and shows me that my effort has not gone unnoticed. I am truly honored to receive this award and it motivates me to continue pursuing a career that will have a positive impact on the fire protection industry.”

West is currently a senior at the university and plans to graduate in May 2020.

She learned about the School of Fire Protection Engineering when she attended freshman orientation at the Clarke School of Engineering and instantly felt a connection.

“I’ve always been a person who wants to know why things work the way they do. I knew that a career as an engineer fit my personality and would allow me to find a creative way to help people achieve goals.

It was surprising to learn that such a focused program existed to make 38 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Madison West is the winner of the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year.

building, equipment, and structures safer for people. It brought to mind one of the country’s worst fire tragedies in history— The Station Nightclub fire occurred just a short drive from my hometown. Growing up, the disaster was reported on television regularly on our local stations. It was an event that changed the community I lived in and made a mark on me and many others who survived, knew people who were injured, and families who lost loved ones. In our small state, The Station Nightclub fire impacted everyone.

Knowing that fire protection engineering could make a real difference in people’s lives made it a perfect fit for me.”

engineering honor society, and Salamander Honor Society. She has made the Dean’s List several times and received a Jensen Hughes award and several scholarships.

West has been very determined and focused throughout her life. She is proud to have earned all As during college while still being very active within the department. She is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Student Chapter, Engineers Without Borders, Theta Tau professional fraternity, Tau Beta Pi

West has also worked within her field as an intern with SFPE, Duke Energy, and Arup. She is also a teaching Fellow with the UMD FPE Department and a tutor for College Park Tutors.

“Being a part of the SFPE student chapter has been a great learning and networking experience,” West says. “It has given me the opportunity to meet other students in the major as well as professionals in all areas of fire protection. I have especially liked attending company presentations to hear about emerging issues and work prospects within the profession.”

“I have worked on a broad scope of projects at these different internships and each has been a great learning experi-

ence.” West states. “Although I am still trying to figure out my career goals, I know I will be able to build on the skills I have developed in these internships.”

West also finds time to be active in intramural sports and plays soccer, ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, and flag football.

“My determination has helped me achieve my goals not only in sports but in school as well. By saying ‘yes’ to any opportunity that comes my way I get to try a lot of new things and have incredible experiences,” says West.

West’s professors highly recommended her for the De Camara scholarship, noting she is “best one of the top students in the program and is a strongly motivated student with excellent technical and leadership skills” and she “takes on challenges and has a lot of ambition. I’m looking forward to seeing her continue to grow in the fire protection field.”

Funding the Future of Fire Protection The Philip L. De Camara Jr. Memorial Fund was established in 1984.

For over three decades, two scholarships were provided to the FPE department, helping deserving students pursue their FPE goals. Now those students have now joined the work force and are making a positive impact on the fire protection industry. In 2018, CLSE joined with the University of Maryland in College Park to endow the scholarship.

The award is based on the student’s character, leadership, and academic excellence with a demonstrated personal commitment to the area of fire safety.

The recipient is selected by a committee, lead by De Camara’s widow, Terry, that will evaluate each application.

“Madison’s academic achievement and extracurricular involvement illustrate most fully what this scholarship signifies: values such as commitment, hard work and the pursuit of excellence,” comments Terry De Camara. “We were especially impressed with her leadership skills and her passion for the fire protection program.”

De Camara was dedicated to the fire protection industry. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1962, his career progressed with him assuming the position of executive vice president of Central Sprinkler Corp. in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and later president of De Camara Fire Protection Products in Ivyland, Pennsylvania. Widely known and respected in the fire sprinkler industry, De Camara became involved in AFSA in the early 1980s, and later helped to establish its first Manufacturers/Suppliers Council, giving these members a voice within the association. In October 1983, De Camara, 44, died of a heart attack, leaving his wife, Terry, and their five children: Philip III, Andrew, Matthew, Nancy, and Joseph.

“My husband recognized the importance of the fire protection industry.

He knew it was essential to educate future professionals in fire protection engineering who would assume leadership in this field,” Terry remarks. “My family and I take great pride in this scholarship. Phil’s legacy lives on through the resources provided to students at the University of Maryland who continue to actualize his vision of a dynamic industry. We appreciate the support of AFSA and

Philip L. De Camara, Jr. was dedicated to the fire sprinkler industry and very involved in AFSA.

all donors who contribute to help keep Phil’s memory and dream alive.”

Your tax-deductible donations to the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship extend his dedication and will directly support and fund the education of future industry leaders. For more information about the scholarship, its criteria, or to apply, visit clse.org. n

Philip L. De Camara, Jr. & Thomas S. Waller Scholarship 2018 Contributors The De Camara and Waller Scholarships are supported by voluntary donations from corporate and individual members of the fire protection industry and their friends and associates. AFSA and CLSE thank the individuals and companies listed below for their contributions to the 2018 scholarships, as well as the donors who chose to remain anonymous Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA Aegis Technologies, Inc., Pottstown, PA Allstar Fire Protection, Inc., Madison, TN Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, PA Atlanta Winsupply, Lithonia, GA Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, KS Carolina Fire Protection, Inc., Dunn, NC Andrew De Camara, Sherman Oaks, CA Terese De Camara, Dresher, PA Extinguish Fire Corp., Fredricksburg, VA Fire & Safety Systems Co., Ocean, NJ Fire Tech Systems, Shreveport, LA Firestop, Inc., Bethel, CT Freedom Fire Protection, Longmont, CO General Underground Fire Protection, Orange, CA

Hampshire Fire Protection, Londonderry, NH Hampshire Fire Protection, Westfield, MA Houston Fire Systems, Lockford, CA J & J Fire Protection Co., Inc., Butler, PA JB Fire Protection, Fullerton, CA Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Au Gres, MI JSM Fire Pro, Oak Ridge, TN Richard Matsuda, Dallas, TX Noland, Mechanicsburg, PA Protection Design & Consulting, San Diego, CA Sawyer Sprinkler Service, Milton, VT Willie Templin, Fort Worth, TX United Sprinkler Co., Inc., Fredricksburg, VA Universal Fire Systems, Inc., Tampa, FL VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 39

Developing ITM Inspectors Training Program Helps Companies Grow and Get Ahead REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest,” and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to live that statement in its core values. In the effort to grow industry education, AFSA is pleased to have graduated its fourth Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program class. Students and supervisors continue to give the program high marks.

The class received positive reviews from graduates with one student from the newly graduated class saying, “This class was very helpful in knowing what is required from me as an inspector and I am very thankful for all the help from everyone who was a part of this class, teacher, and student.”

The AFSA ITM program boasts well above national first-time passage rates on NICET Level I and II exams: averaging 89 percent overall for the three exams.

Overall, students’ first-time pass rates are over 20 percent better than the 65 percent NICET national average in all categories of testing.

AFSA is proud to be the first to offer an industry-wide ITM Inspector Development Program. The program, which launched in 2016, aims to develop “green” or beginner technicians into NICET Level II-equivalent inspectors.

While the numbers, paired with the track record of success are impressive, it’s possible you may still have some reservations about sending an employee for such extensive training. You may find yourself asking, “What if I invest in training and they leave?” but AFSA challenges you to change your mindset and instead ask yourself, “What happens if I don’t train them and they 40 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

AFSA’s fourth ITM Inspector Development Program class graduated in June 2019.

stay?” The importance of a well-trained workforce can’t be stressed enough and has never been more vital to the industry than it is today.

What Makes the Program With the ever-growing need for a well-trained, well-rounded workforce in mind, AFSA’s ITM program goes far beyond just providing technical training. It features a blend of learning tools, environments, and styles that combine to make a highly immersive and comprehensive training package for future inspectors: • On-demands lessons, • Live webinars, • Instruction/discussion, and • On-the-job training (OJT) guidance, • Instructor support, and • Two (2) in-person live sessions that include: º Mock field inspection, º Lab instruction, º Classroom training, º Role play, º Class tours, and º NICET I & II exam prep.

With so much content being delivered in a variety of ways, students will have an opportunity to truly immerse themselves in all aspects of inspection, testing, and maintenance. In addition to the lessons, AFSA is with you every step of the way starting with candidate selection. AFSA provides the tools to not only help you pick your trainee but to offer unrivaled support of them along the way. AFSA also provides hands-on tools such as the Contractor Manager Guide, train-the-trainer information, and more that help you establish support for your candidate.

Professionalizing Inspectors It’s important to highlight that the ITM curriculum doesn’t focus solely on the technical aspects. While technical learning is essential to the program, it also includes additional hands-on training methods such as role play to further prepare your inspector for situations they may encounter on the job and how to conduct themselves professionally, always being mindful of their role as your company’s representative.

OJT Guide As previously mentioned, a large component of what makes the AFSA ITM program so special is OJT and instructor guidance. The program comes equipped with an OJT guide which is divided by level of NICET competencies to facilitate steady and gradual progress for your inspector.

Additionally, this guide aids the employer in assuring that the inspector trainee attains adequate exposure in the field throughout the program. As a resource, AFSA instructor support is always available and provides feedback to both students and supervisors not only on OJT guidance, but overall student performance as well.

for the economy. In 20 months, your inspection team can be stronger than ever while others may remain unprepared having not invested in training. Pairing this ITM Inspector Development Program with proper field training and supervision will better enable contractors to educate a “green” inspector in-house.

There is still a limited opportunity in 2019 to register your ITM team. If you’re ready to professionalize your inspections team, AFSA is enrolling for its next class, launching October 21,

2019. Exclusive discounted pricing of $4,250 for this expansive program is reserved for AFSA members only — with the first payment only $3,100 ($8,500 total due at time of registration for non-members), with classes limited to an enrollment of 20 students.

Registration is open to AFSA members only until six weeks before the first class.

Visit www.firesprinkler.org/itm. n

Why Train? Professional development through ITM helps your company to be anything but average while also positively contributing to your company’s bottom line through decreased insurance premiums. Offering ITM services can also improve brand image, help retain clients, and build lifelong relationships with clients through providing quality service that ensures safety and compliance. When you become a trusted one-stop shop for all client needs, they have little reason to look elsewhere for these services.

A well-trained service team not only builds loyalty outside the company, but also generates loyalty among employees within your company. Investing in your employees’ training helps to create an environment of trust and loyalty by showing that you value their contributions to the company, and you want to equip them for professional success now and beyond. Boost loyalty, productivity, and efficiency of your organization.

Providing the option to pursue ITM service offers the chance for your inspector techs to see not just a job, but a career path within your company. Through the ITM program, you are offering your inspector a network of peers who they can connect with, learn with, and continue to grow and develop beyond graduation.

Think Ahead As a final thought, remember that enrolling an inspector can place you ahead of the competition and help prepare you for whatever lies ahead Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 41

Sprinkler Incentives Pave the Way for New Home Protection Texas Development is a Model Using Incentives to Achieve Community Risk Reduction JULIE REYNOLDS | Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

On average, seven people die in home fires in the U.S. every day (NFPA). Of all structures, homes are where we are most vulnerable, accounting for four of every five fire deaths and three of every four fire injuries. Research also shows that modern home fires, which produce more toxic smoke than in years past, are associated with higher rates of cancer in firefighters.

As you know, installing sprinklers is the best protection available to minimize home fire injury and death for both civilians and responding firefighters. And with a sound (if somewhat mercurial) new-housing market presently, there is ample opportunity to put a significant dent in the home fire problem by making sprinkler installations the rule rather than the exception.

But in communities of every size, local and state fire safety officials and other advocates are finding it difficult to initiate or strengthen new-home fire sprinkler requirements. That’s because powerful lobbying is blocking these life-safety codes in more than half the states. In 2016, the independent, nonprofit newsroom ProPublica documented the unprecedented campaign being waged by national homebuilder and real estate groups to stop residential fire sprinkler codes.

That campaign continues today; and millions of dollars are bankrolling its enduring status, which is grim. The NFPA Fire Sprinkler Initiative has tracked 29 states that currently prohibit statewide and new local adoptions. For more than a decade, the NFPA and ICC model national codes have included requirements to install fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes.

Nevertheless, local code requirements are hard to come by.

Fortunately, legislating fire codes isn’t the only way to improve life safety. “Where sprinkler codes are not in place, and not likely to be allowed with state or local prohibitions, working directly with new-home developers to negotiate sprinklers is the fastest path the AHJ [Authority Having Jurisdiction] and local planners can take to build in fire protection,” says Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) Communications Manager Peg Paul. “When the topic of requirements is off the table and valuable incentives are introduced, developers are typically much more amenable to the fire sprinkler discussion.”

Focus on Home Fire Sprinkler Incentives This type of local public safety work is textbook community risk reduction (CRR) Paul says, and HFSC wants to see it replicated. “We are using real-life examples from progressive fire departments to seed the concept of locally-negotiated home fire sprinkler incentives across the U.S. and Canada.

It’s a new concept for many, so we are working in a variety of ways to put this on the radar of the fire service, planning and zoning professionals, new-home developers and builders, and the fire sprinkler industry.”

In addition to intensive fire service outreach, awarding public education stipends, and creating new comprehensive web content, HFSC has been educating planning professionals about sprinkler incentives via the American Planning Association, the field’s largest member organization. “We are really

42 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Split screen from the Pearland, Texas Fire Department’s video showing HFSC’s fire timeline and the side-by-side burn demonstration..

broadening our reach so as many different stakeholders as possible get the message,” she says. “There is a role for everyone and the more we each do, the safer our communities will be.”

Fire sprinkler incentives, or trade-ups as they are sometimes called, aren’t new. But despite being used effectively by the fire service in many jurisdictions, this progress is too often a well-kept secret. For the past year, HFSC has been shining a light on these sprinkler achievements, featuring diverse case studies on its revamped website and in advertising.

Of course, improved public safety is paramount, but the case studies also show different ways sprinkler incentives benefit the entire community; for example: a Camas, Washington, developer who saved more than $1 million in infrastructure costs; a Saugatuck, Michigan, developer permitted to build new homes in an environmentally sensitive area, and a Hopkinton, Massachusetts, developer allowed to plan 1,000 homes on former agricultural land with strict open-space controls.

Now, a new home fire sprinkler incentive story is making big news in Texas, which has enjoyed a strong housing market for years: the Mirror Lake duplex-home subdivision in the City of Pearland, the fastest-growing city in the Houston region. The Pearland Fire Department negotiated fire sprinkler installation in all 88 occupancies, which are being developed and built by the Houston-based WanBridge Group.

“The development was a proposed gated community with 44 duplex-type dwellings having a total of 88 occupancies,” explains Pearland Fire Marshal Jason Shafer, who meets weekly with city departments and developers to explain fire codes at

the plan submittal stage. “Their challenge was that they could not meet the requirement for two separate and remote fire apparatus access roads. Through these discussions a ‘trade-up’ of installing NFPA 13D sprinkler systems in lieu of a second access was offered and agreed upon.”

Long-time fire sprinkler advocates, the Pearland Fire Department is a 2019 recipient of an HFSC home fire sprinkler education stipend. With it, the department conducted public side-by-side flashover and sprinkler education during Home Fire Sprinkler Week this year and produced a video to dispel common home fire sprinkler myths. “The video was developed to educate all stakeholders including developers, builders, fire service, insurance agencies, real estate professionals, and most importantly, home buyers,” Fire Marshal Shafer adds.

Pearland, Texas, AFSA Member Playing an Important Role Featured in the video is AFSA member William Manning, a volunteer firefighter (serving as Station Captain) and the manager of 1st Texas Fire Protection, Inc. in Houston, which has the contract to install Mirror Lake’s NFPA 13D systems. Manning walks through the installation in the video and provides basic information about how fire sprinklers work to save lives.

Having experience with previous fire sprinkler installations in Pearland, Manning has been a key contributor to this incentive success story. “I worked with the Fire Marshal’s Office on plan design and review, and with the City of Pearland Building Department on plan submittals and permitting,” he explains. “And as the project continues, I oversee the installation and perform inspections with the Pearland Fire Marshal’s Office.” The installations are well under way and Manning continues working closely with Fire Marshal Shafer and other City personnel.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 43

Pearland Fire Marshal Jason Shafer

Mirror Lake is the first subdivision in the city that will have fire sprinklers installed in every home. 1st Texas Fire Protection is the only residential installer in the neighborhood, Manning notes, but it’s not the company’s first NFPA 13D rodeo.

“Oakwood Forest in Bryan, Texas, is our largest single-customer project that we have completed to date (Camillo Properties),” he says. That development has 106 single-family homes protected by fire sprinklers.

“I believe the sprinklers will make a positive impression with Mirror Lake buyers, and I hope the developer markets the homes with fire sprinklers as an advantage,” Manning says.

He’s doing his part to ensure the new homeowners understand how valuable their fire sprinkler protection is. He plans to put HFSC’s new Living with Sprinklers laminated hangtag inside each riser cabinet following final inspection.

Having worked on the fire side, and with plenty of experience with the planning and approval process in the City of Pearland, Manning agrees that fire sprinkler incentives make sense, bringing increased safety to the community and often reducing costs for the developer. “Otherwise, it is a very tough sell when the codes do not require sprinklers,” he says.

As Peg Paul told us, everyone has a role to play. AFSA members in any community can help promote the importance of home fire sprinklers by tapping into HFSC’s large collection of free resources.

“We strongly encourage members of the sprinkler industry to use our information, illustrations and videos,” she adds. “In recent years, we’ve created material designed specifically to be shared via company websites, on social media, and incorporated into presentations.” The hangtags Manning is using with his NFPA 13D installations are among the many free educational tools that can be customized with AFSA-member logos.

Know Your Home Fire Sprinkler System

William Manning, a volunteer firefighter (serving as Station Captain) and the manager of 1st Texas Fire Protection, Inc. in Houston, is featured in the video.

Stay informed about new-home developer fire sprinkler incentives and all HFSC activities at HomeFireSprinkler.org; on Facebook, facebook.com/HFSCorg; on Instagram at homefiresprinklercoalition; and on Twitter @HFSCorg. You can also follow HFSC activities on Pinterest at pinterest.com/ hfsc and join HFSC’s networking group on LinkedIn. n REFERENCES: City of Pearland Video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=w4Q4BFAj6SE&t=40s NFPA: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires National Fire Sprinkler Initiative: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/ Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Home-fire-sprinklers/Fire Sprinkler Initiative/Legislation-and-adoptions/Sprinkler requirements ProPublica Articles: https://www.propublicaorg/article/the-fire-sprinkler war-state-by-state https://www.propublica.org/article/fire-fight-the -homebuilding-industry-war-on-sprinklers ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie Reynolds is a communications associate with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

Keep Your Fire Sprinklers Working To Protect Your Family and Home FOR WATER TO FLOW THROUGH THE PIPES THE CONTROL VALVES MUST BE IN THE OPEN POSITION.

The water main coming into your home supplies the water for the fire sprinkler and the domestic (plumbing) systems.

A main water control valve (1) is on the pipe that supplies water to the sprinkler system.

You may also have a control valve on your domestic (3) and sprinkler (4) pipes. The water flows through a check valve (5), or if required by plumbing code, a backflow valve.

Alarm bell (optional)

DO NOT HANG anything on fire sprinklers or pipes. Even lightweight items can damage sprinklers.

PROTECT FIRE SPRINKLERS FROM BUMPS. Be careful when carrying ladders and other large or tall items. Don’t bump fire sprinklers or exposed pipes.

DO NOT PAINT the fire sprinkler or the cover. While doing messy work, such as painting, cover the sprinklers with plastic. Remove the plastic as soon as you are finished painting.

DO NOT BLOCK your fire sprinklers. Keep pictures and large/tall furniture away from sprinklers on the walls. Hang lamps and plants away from ceiling fire sprinklers.

OPEN

WARNING

Your home has a built-in fire sprinkler system. If you have a fire, the high heat will activate the sprinkler closest to it.

Water will control it or put it out so you can escape. plug (releases water when bulb bursts)

liquid-filled bulb bursts at 135 -165 F ˚ ˚ (57˚-74˚C)

deflector sprays water to cover area

CONSIDER LOCATION OF PIPES BEHIND THE WALL. Avoid using nails or screws to hang pictures on the wall near the sprinkler pipe.

TEACH CHILDREN not to touch or play with sprinklers or exposed pipes.

Turning off the water to your home will also turn off the water to your fire sprinkler system. Contact your fire sprinkler contractor if you have questions.

CONTROL VALVES ARE CLOSED (TURNED OFF) WHEN PERPENDICULAR (AT A RIGHT ANGLE) TO THE PIPE.

HOW TO DO A FLOW TEST* 1. Find your flow test control valve. It may be labeled main drain, inspector test or test and drain. The valve is located on the sprinkler drain and test connection.

2. If your sprinklers are connected to a central alarm, inform the alarm monitoring company or fire department that you are going to do a test.

Contractor /Fire Department Contact Information

CLOSED

3. Slowly turn the flow test control valve to the “on” position (bring the valve in line with the pipe). This will start the water running. Let the water run for about 90 seconds. If your system has an alarm, you will hear it as the water is running.

4. You may see a drop in water pressure upon opening the valve. The pressure should stabilize for the 90 seconds it is left open. The stream should be steady and not choppy with air pockets after the initial opening. Water should look relatively clear.

5. Check Valve or Backflow Valve

2. Water Meter

6. Pressure Gauge

3. Domestic Control Valve

7. Flow Switch for Alarm

6. Write down the date you tested your system.

4. Sprinkler Control Valve

8. Flow Test Control Valve

CONTACT YOUR FIRE SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

(Inspector Test Valve)

__________ __________ __________ ON

The flow test control valve is on when it is in line with the pipe. It is off when it is perpendicular to the pipe.

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Water may run into a sump pump in the basement.

5. Slowly turn the flow test control valve to the “off” position (the valve handle will be perpendicular to or make a right angle to the pipe).

1. Main Control Valve

H o m e F i r e S p r i n k l e r. o r g

Write down the date of each test here:

OFF

*NFPA 13D recommends conducting a flow test two times a year.

H o m e F i r e S p r i n k l e r. o r g Water may run outside the home.

LWSCard-11/18-13M-L

1st Texas Fire Protection will educate new homeowners on how valuable their fire sprinkler protection is and how the system operates and should be maintained with HFSC’s new Living with Sprinklers laminated hangtag.

44 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Ceiling-Only Sprinkler Protection for up to 55 ft High Storage Facilities Eliminate the need for in-rack sprinklers with Viking’s FM Approved K28 storage sprinkler As ceiling heights in storage facilities continue to rise, fire sprinkler technology advances to keep pace. Viking’s existing K28 ESFR sprinkler is now FM Approved as a Quick Response Storage Sprinkler.

As a result, the Model VK514 can eliminate the need for in-rack sprinkler systems in storage facilities as high as 55 ft (16,7 m). The new FM design specifies a remote area calculation of nine sprinklers at 80 psi in a three by three array. Refer to the product’s technical datasheet for complete design and installation requirements.

The K28 sprinkler is also UL Listed as an ESFR storage pendent sprinkler to protect up to 48 ft (14,6 m) facilities with a maximum storage height of 43 ft (13,1 m). Viking’s complete line of ESFR sprinklers are specifically designed to suppress high-challenge storage fires with ceiling-only protection. All are available through Viking SupplyNet’s 32 North American locations.

Visit www.vikinggroupinc.com to learn more about the industry’s leading storage sprinkler line.

Viking Group, Inc. | 210 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings, MI 49058, Telephone: (269) 945-9501 | www.vikinggroupinc.com

Window Sprinklers When the Fire-Rated Walls Block the View JASON GILL | Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers, Inc.

Yesterday was July Fourth (it takes a few months for these articles to make it into print). Americans celebrated our nation’s independence with fire. When you really stop to think about it, the entire day is filled with all forms of fire. The internal combustion engine gets us to the cookout. The grills’ flames sear the hamburgers and hot dogs. Citronella candles keep the mosquitos at bay.

Covered dishes are kept warm by Sternos.

Lighters ignite the fuses that send balls of fire into the air, their colorful displays lighting up the smiles on our faces. It’s easy to see why Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for firefighters nationwide. Despite the statistics and tragedies related to all this use of fire, I think we can all agree that fire will always play a large role in our festivities every July Fourth. The abundant use of fire is something we can expect on July Fourth, and because of that, fire departments staff up and prepare for higher call volumes.

Just like fire on July Fourth, ignition sources, fuel sources, and the occupant use of areas within a building are predictable and in typical arrangements (statistically speaking). The 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) devotes most of its text to minimizing risk and loss from fire, for both property and lives. Given the varying uses and risks anticipated within a building, Table 508.4 of the IBC prescribes minimum separation ratings utilizing fire-resistant construction. That’s not the only location where similar separation requirements are mandated. Egress pathways, dwelling unit separations, shafts, etc. all require fire-rated enclosures or separations. There are a few exceptions to the continuity of these assemblies. Allowable openings are found in Chapter 7, along with Section 716 “Opening Protectives.” Here, one can find certain situations where closely spaced fire sprinklers can serve as an 46 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

alternative to an otherwise solid, fire-rated barrier. Chapter 4 has yet another scenario where closely spaced sprinklers can be used when solid barriers block the view—it happens to be the only spot where the building code specifically allows sprinklers and windows to work together as an alternative.

In the Richmond area, old abandoned warehouses, factories, and office buildings are being converted to multi-family use. These previously blighted buildings are now homes with history. The once dilapidated streets with graffitied walls and broken windows are now trendy miniature neighborhoods. I’ve had the chance to be involved in many of these rehabilitations and there’s a common architectural challenge—natural light (not the same Natural Light that filled coolers at cookouts everywhere yesterday). Architects have faced big obstacles in finding ways to allow natural light to reach the interior portions of the buildings, whether it’s a bedroom, interior corridor, or common space.

After all, these are living spaces, not dungeons, so sunlight must reach the interior of the building.

Enter the casserole dish. While we were grilling out yesterday and the family was pouring in, each with a covered dish, I happened to notice the prevalence of glass cookware. It got me thinking about window sprinklers because 23 years in the business will do that to you. Yes, somehow while battling grease fire flare-ups on the grill, I pondered the difference between Pyrex and the hot coffee pot that shatters when cold water hits it.

In many of the buildings where the aforementioned renovations occur, the original exterior windows are the only original source of natural light and the number of existing windows may be slim.

Therefore, designs often include vertical

holes cut into the interior of the building, from the roof to the ground, forming light wells. Depending on the architectural design, these features might fall under the definition of Atriums per IBC Chapter 2. Atriums are required to be enclosed by one-hour fire-rated construction, but traditional Type X gypsum wall board doesn’t allow the sun to pass through. This is where Section 404.6 (exception 1.1) of the IBC gives the architect the option to use glass as this separation—with one catch. The glass must have closely spaced (6-ft-0-in. maximum) sprinklers installed on both sides and positioned 4 in. to 12 in. from the glass. This is not where the text ends, though. The most critical portion of Exception 1.1 states: “The sprinkler system shall be designed so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon activation of the sprinkler system without obstruction.” Why is this important? Remember the reference to the shattered coffee pot?

Typical window glass cannot withstand the heat of a fire. In fact, standard window glass failure happens at temperatures as low as 250°F. Tempered glass has nearly double the temperature tolerance, but with average temperatures exceeding 1,600°F in a fire scenario, typical window glass fails to perform as a fire barrier alone. However, if the glass is kept cool with a constant sheet of water before the glass can climb to the failure point in temperature, the physical barrier may survive long enough for occupants to exit and the fire department to arrive.

IBC Section 404 is commonly misinterpreted as a requirement for what NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition, section 9.3.5 calls a water curtain, using standard spray sprinklers. However, there is no guarantee that standard spray sprinklers can perform as required by the IBC exception text. Therefore, a specificapplication window sprinkler must be

used. Listed window sprinklers have proven through testing to perform as Section 404.6 requires. The options are limited, though, and this is not a simple solution. Most prevalent in the available options are “open sprinklers” intended for a deluge system. Another more common option is Tyco’s WS sprinklers. Regardless of which option is chosen, the installation requirements associated with these sprinklers are strict but must be followed to wet the glass fully. The window must meet several design requirements as well.

No horizontal mullions or other features may prevent the water from “sheeting” or running down the glass. The glass also has to be installed in a gasketed frame.

The limitations on the window, surrounding construction, sprinkler type, and sprinkler installation requirements make the use of sprinklers an alternative design approach that should be considered and coordinated long before a sprinkler system designer starts the shop drawings. It should likewise be noted that this is an alternative design approach to otherwise constructing fire-rated separation walls. The choice to pursue the use of window sprinklers should come from the architect and/or engineer to assure all associated building features are compliant. As already noted, IBC Section 404.6 (Exception 1.1) explicitly requires the sprinkler to wet the entire surface of the glass upon activation. If sprinklers are to be used, assure the design complies with this text and the selected sprinklers meet the requirement. There have been some creative interpretations of this text and sprinkler contractors should discuss the proposed design with the local authority, architect/engineer, and the manufacturer of the sprinklers used to assure all agree to the application prior to installation.

If specific-application window sprinklers are not desirable, there’s another solution.

Section 703.6 of the IBC tells us that “fire-resistance-rated glazing tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 and complying with the requirements of Section 707, shall be permitted.” Glass has been used for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the German chemist Otto Schott developed borosilicate glass, a low-expansion version which allowed lantern globes and battery jars to

be more resistant to heat and breakage that followed when heat was applied.

Over two decades would pass before the connection was made to use it for cookware but, in large part, our world has had heat-resistant glass in use for over 100 years. There’s just one problem—it’s expensive. Several variables affect the final pricing per window, but $100 per square foot of fire-rated glass is not outside the norm. However, when compared to the specific-application sprinklers, the cost is often comparable.

Additionally, the associated construction features do not always make window sprinklers the best solution. For example, if the required separation occurs between an atrium and a dwelling unit, there will likely be blinds or privacy curtains on the interior side of the glass, but these cannot be installed between the sprinkler and the glass. So the blinds may set back from the wall a considerable amount, making the sides of the blinds open and not so private. Soffits may need to be built to conceal the pipe adjacent to the windows, creating additional costs and aesthetic impacts. The hydraulic demand, when added to the system demand, could lead to additional costs as well.

The costs of fire-rated glass and/or specific-application window sprinklers are significant. Each creates the need for additional considerations from architectural designs to hydraulic demands. Most importantly, architects and sprinkler contractors alike must understand that IBC Section 404.6, Exception 1.1, does not allow standard spray sprinklers to be substituted for listed window sprinklers unless they can be proven to wet the entire surface of the glass immediately. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason Gill is the operations manager for Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia. He has 23 years of experience in the sprinkler industry as a designer, design manager, estimator, project manager, and operations manager. Gill holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout. He can be reached via email at jgill@cgfireinc.com.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 47

A Different Outcome Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Steps to Stay Safe and Prevent Fire Tragedies LINDSAY CAPLAND | National Fire Protection Association

Earlier this year, a devastating fire ravaged a family’s home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The fire broke out in the early morning hours, trapping and claiming the lives of all seven of the family’s children, aged 14 to three months. The father tried to go back into the home to save his children but, according to news reports, the home became fully engulfed in fire in a matter of minutes.

The Facts Tragedies like these underscore the reality of home fires today. The statistics are staggering:

Every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur at home (a statistic that is eye-opening to many considering it is the place people often feel the safest).

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) reports that if you experience a reported home fire today, you are more likely to die in it then you were in 1980.

The reason why is due to several factors, including the way homes are

built and the contents in them. In a fire, unprotected lightweight construction materials, which are used in many modern homes, burn quicker, and fail faster. Many of today’s homes are also made with synthetic materials—upholstery stuffed with combustible polyurethane foam, for example—that burn quicker than “legacy” furnishings made of leather, wool, and cotton. In addition, the large, open-concept floor plans in homes today can mean that a fire can spread more quickly. As a result of these factors, if a fire breaks out, it can become deadly in a matter of minutes. There’s less time to escape—as few as two minutes—which is down from seven to eight minutes a couple of decades ago.

Getting the Word Out Fire Prevention Week™, an annual campaign sponsored by National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), is an opportunity to educate the public about home fire safety with the goal of reducing loss. It’s an opportunity to act to influence a different outcome than the devastation that occurred in Halifax and affects too many homes across the country each and every day. It’s a chance to educate the public about steps they can take to make their households safer from fire and how to escape safely in the event of one.

Sprinkler-specific social media cards, including cards that refute some of the most common myths about sprinklers, are available at firesprinklerinitiative.org.

48 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week (taking place October 6-12) is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape.

Plan and Practice Your Escape™!” It is meant to encourage everyone to take the small, but important actions that can keep themselves and those around them safe from fire and can make a life-saving difference in a fire situation.

ENROLL FOR OCT. 21, 2019

ITM

INSPECTION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Properly train your new inspector technicians in 20 months!

• Code compliant inspection & testing and the importance of professionalism taught by NFPA 25 committee members

T S E B THE CRET E S T KEPTHE INDUSTRY IN

• Blended instruction utilizing on-demand, interactive webinars, live-class lecture, and hands-on field & lab training • No prior experience necessary • On-the-job training guidance • 89% first-time pass rates on NICET I and II I&T exams, compared to 65% national average

For more information visit: www.firesprinkler.org/ITM

*NICET II Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET exams or certification by NICET.

These steps include creating and practicing a home fire escape plan.

Families make a map of each level of the home, showing all doors and windows. They should know at least two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window. They should establish a meeting place where everyone can meet after exiting. This meeting place should be one that everyone knows to go to in the event of a fire (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) that’s a safe distance away from the home. Families should then practice the home fire escape plan at least twice a year with all members of the household.

A home escape plan also includes ensuring that detection systems are in place. Working smoke alarms should be in place on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. They should be tested at least once a month and replaced when they are 10 years old.

Sprinklers are another key life-saving component to home fire safety. While smoke alarms alert you to the presence of danger and give you more time to escape, sprinklers are able to control and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it takes the fire department to arrive. In the case of the family in Halifax, their home, though relatively new, did not have residential sprinklers. This event refutes many of the myths that persist about sprinklers; there’s a misconception that new homes do not burn and that if you have a fire you will have time to escape. In the aftermath of the Halifax fire, fire officials and media stressed that home fire sprinklers would have made a difference and championed their use in order to prevent future catastrophes.

Whether it’s part of Fire Prevention Week or at other times during the year, it’s important that everyone in every community does their part to educate the public about these steps

that can make a big difference when it comes to fire prevention and home fire safety. The Fire Prevention website—firepreventionweek.org— offers sample social media cards and posts, ready-to-use press releases, printable activities for Fire Prevention Week, as well as a host of evergreen safety tip sheets that can be used year-round. Fire Sprinkler Initiative (FSI), a project of NFPA, is another free resource; the FSI website — firesprinklerinitiative.org—offers free materials for sprinkler advocates to dispel common myths about home fire sprinklers and demonstrate the need for fire sprinklers in new, one- and two-family dwellings. The Fire Sprinkler Initiative also supports state- and province-based coalitions dedicated to advocating for home fire sprinklers.

More About Fire Prevention Week NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lindsay Capland is communications manager for the Fire Sprinkler Initiative, a project of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). For more information on the Fire Sprinkler Initiative, visit FireSprinklerInitiative.org.

Digital resources, such as social media cards like this one, can be downloaded from fpw.org and used to educate your community about home fire safety.

50 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Achieving Quality Contractor Status AFSA Program Recognizes Excellence and Responsibility The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Quality Contractor (QC) program was launched to publicly recognize and honor fire sprinkler contracting firms that have documented their commitment in four key areas of corporate responsibility: safety, training, quality of life (employee benefits) and industry and community relations. A company that meets the criteria set forth in the program is formally designated a “Quality Contractor” by AFSA. All eligible members are invited to apply for the Quality Contractor recognition. It is for AFSA Contractor members to be recognized for their effort in growing companies that produce quality work by providing a work environment that promotes excellence and responsibility in all its employees.

When you achieve the AFSA Quality Contractor recognition, your company is no longer just a contractor; your AFSA Quality Contractor Recognition gives you a tangible, marketable asset to grow your business. You can prove you have met the highest industry standards and have been verified by a leading national trade association. Benefits of becoming a Quality Contractor include: • Improved company morale and productivity, • Proof of having met the highest industry standards, • High impact marketing tool to general contractors and building owners, • Authorizations to use Quality Contractor recognition in bid documents, and • Can use Quality Contractor recognition and logo on company letterhead.

“Being a Quality Contractor reminds us of the responsibilities we have to each other and our posterity—to help every person we meet, employ, or serve to reach their full potential,” says Jeff Rovegno, president of Mr. Sprinkler, Roseville, California.

“The tenets embraced by the Quality Contractor program encourage all participants to acknowledge the contributions of others and to build a business model that inspires everyone involved to be their best. We could not be a Quality Contractor without quality people. We are truly blessed!”

Before applying for the AFSA Quality Contractor Recognition, your company must be able to demonstrate three criteria: a written safety policy, a current and active training program, and a minimum of three continuous years of AFSA membership. AFSA is only certifying that the company has met the standards for becoming a Quality Contractor by meeting the

specific criteria contained in the application form and that neither AFSA nor the company shall make any contrary representations in any advertising or referral. The Quality Contractor Recognition Award remains in effect for three years from the date the recognition is awarded.

In addition to national and local recognition and promotion, contractors that receive this designation are allowed to use the QC recognition logo in bid documents, letterhead, business cards, brochures, and jobsite signs. Quality Contractor members may also use the program as a human resources tool by featuring the designation in job advertisements, including it as part of the employee handbook, and using it to develop benchmarks in quality, safety, education, employee benefits, industry image, and community activities. AFSA’s QC recognition program is similar to programs developed by other industry trade groups that reward their members who pursue a higher level of professionalism and is not an accreditation or certification program. To learn more and to download the QC application, visit www.firesprinkler.org/qualitycontractor. n

AFSA Quality Contractors Aero Automatic Sprinkler, Phoenix, AZ Anchor Fire Protection Co., Perkiomenville, PA Carolina Fire Protection, Inc., Dunn, NC Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, CA Commonweatlth Fire Protection, Leola, PA Crawford Sprinkler Co. of SC, Inc., Lugoff, SC Diamond Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, PA Eagle Fire, Inc., Richmond, VA Fire Engineering Co., Inc., Salt Lake City, UT Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, LA Inland Fire Protection, Inc., Yakima, WA Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, NM Mr. Sprinkler Fire Protection, Roseville, CA Performance Fire Protection, LLC, Mooresville, NC S & S Sprinkler Co., LLC, Mobile, AL Sentry Fire Protection Co., Inc., Asheboro, NC Southeast Fire Protection, LP, Houston, TX Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, MD Sunland Fire Protection, Inc., High Point, NC VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, VA Western Fire Protection, Inc, Poway, CA Western Fire Protection, Inc., Yuma, AZ Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 51

Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2019, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured this issue have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in September and October including Contractor Member Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Au Gres, Michigan. Vice President Greg Dittenber shared some of his favorite AFSA memories and things he’s learned during his time in the fire protection industry.

How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? My father, Jim Dittenber, was involved in the sprinkler industry for 50 years, so I grew up in it. My career path started as an electrician and then an electrical contractor. It wasn’t until after Dad started Jimco Fire Protection that I was recruited into the industry.

How did you get involved with AFSA? It was Dad who got us started. I’m not sure who initiated the first conversation, but Dad was aware of AFSA and started talking to then Membership Director Lloyd Ivy. Next thing you know, we were sending in our application. We didn’t start attending conventions until a couple years later in 1996 (Atlanta), but have been going ever since.

What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? The conventions are one of my favorite AFSA benefits, but the most AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries September and October 2019 35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Central Sprinkler Protection Contractors, Inc., Denver, CO Nifco Mechanical Systems, LLC, Lincoln, NE 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Au Gres, MI Brick Wall Fire Sprinkler, LLC, Colorado Springs, CO Marquee Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA Judd Fire Protection, Westminster, MD 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Colby Fire Protection, Rochdale, MA Southeastern Automatic Sprinkler Co., Madison, MS 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Berkshire Systems, Reading, PA CFP, Inc., Hamden, CT Associate Members Armstrong Pumps, Inc., North Tonawanda, NY 52 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Greg and Carla Dittenber thoroughly enjoyed attending AFSA’s convention on the Big Island of Hawaii.

used benefit would be the SprinklerForum. It provides a wealth of information covering a wide range of topics.

What is your favorite AFSA convention memory? The convention held in Hawaii was one of the most memorable AFSA events. There were some great tours available, including one where we hiked the island and swam under waterfalls. We had a great time, made a lot of new friends, and will always remember that trip.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the industry over the past 25 years? There have been a lot of changes that have taken place, but the most significant one has to be “technology.” Technology plays a significant role in almost every aspect of our industry today.

What’s the key ingredient to your success? Putting in time and effort is always a necessary part of success, but it comes down to the people. Dad had the original vision. Then there is my partner, Bernie Grappin—we complement each other’s strengths. I couldn’t do it without the support of my wife, Carla, or my sister, Sue, who handles accounting. Last, but not least is every other member of our company, many who have been with us longer than they care to admit. It takes a team effort to be successful.

If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be... in the electrical contracting business probably. I keep my electrical licenses current, but certainly have no regrets in switching trades.

Once you are involved in the fire protection industry, you can’t imagine doing anything else!

Happy Anniversary! AFSA appreciates its members and their dedication to the Association and the industry, and looks forward to celebrating with more members! Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done for members celebrating 15 years or more of continuous membership in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Visit firesprinkler.org. n

TEST VENT DRAIN MAINTAIN www.agfmanufacturing.com

Decrypting Cybersecurity Are You Protected?

REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Cybersecurity is a hot topic with a recent rise in robocalls, email phishing scams, and other digital attacks on our personal information becoming the norm, rather than the occasional annoyance they used to be.

With the rise in attempted attacks, there also comes a new level of sophistication. It is often tough for even seasoned technology lovers to be able to easily spot the difference between a phishing attempt and the real thing.

Take AFSA member company Fire & Life Safety America (FLSA) in Richmond, Virginia for example. The company recently faced a cyberattack that took down the business for weeks originating through a phishing scam via email. The attack, launched overnight, managed to take down much of their network before being detected. After the data had been breached, the attackers ransomed the data they had stolen, leaving FLSA in a tough situation, and essentially dead in the water, with much of their day-to-day functions relying on the digital transfer of information.

While ultimately after some discussion it was decided not to pay the ransom for the stolen data, because as Jack Medovich, senior vice president of FLSA cautions: “If we continue to pay these attackers, they will continue to do what they are doing,” recovery has been a slow process. Medovich also shared that despite the attack having happened weeks ago, they’re still working to recover data. He hopes that this cautionary tale will encourage all AFSA members to be more proactive in their cybersecurity in the office.

“It’s no longer a question of ‘if you get hacked.’ It is ‘when you get hacked,’” says FLSA Chief Informa54 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Organizations, employees, and consumers are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com.

tion Officer Jeff Cannon. “Ransomware attacks, in particular, are expected to increase in frequency and cost. In a common example, imagine no email, no voip systems, no files, no drawings, no internet, no servers, no pc’s, no access control systems, no environmental control systems, no software, no ERP. How prepared are you to keep your business running in that scenario?”

So how can we stay ahead in a world plagued by ever-developing phishing scams? The best way to avoid these problems is to focus on being proactive, not rely on reactive measures, should the worst happen. Here are some of the easiest ways to take proactive steps in improving your cybersecurity: • Keep your software up-to-date Software is updated often to account for loopholes found by developers that may make your software more vulnerable to attack or infiltration. When updates are

released, they often address these problems, so when you see the update icon, it’s best to update as soon as possible. If you can’t update during work hours, set your computer to complete updates when you leave for the day. While the process can be time consuming, it is necessary and will vastly increase your security.

• Password management Practice smart password creation. Don’t use the same password for all of your accounts, mix and match your passwords so that if one account is compromised, it doesn’t risk all of your accounts. The strongest passwords are over eight characters and contain alphanumeric characters as well as punctuation, keeping your numbers and punctuation spread apart from each other in the password.

• Install anti-virus software Anti-virus software is the first line of defense for your information in the digital world. Anti-virus software can detect

problems as they happen and help to keep your machine clean of malicious software or notify you if malicious software has been installed.

• Back up your data While everyone is busier and busier these days, and back-ups can take time, they are more than worth the time spent.

Backing up your data can be the difference that keeps you from suffering a complete loss in a cyberattack. Hackers often ransom your data and if you don’t pay, you don’t get it back so having back-ups to recover is key to keeping your data. Always be sure to back up important work and documents to outside drives for safekeeping.

• Practice “safe clicking” Does it seem suspicious? Then it probably is!

Before clicking on links from unknown sources, be sure to verify the sender, hackers will often mimic the name of coworkers you know and trust, but a dead giveaway will be the email these phishing scams are sent from. In

recent years, hackers have even gotten advanced enough to copy signatures, exact title lines, and even make convincingly fake websites that mirror the real thing.

So always check the sender and if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of something you’ve been sent, don’t be afraid to call and verify with the sender.

• Review access to your network and applications Staying updated on who has access to your network and application and removing any extraneous employees regularly is paramount to maintaining cybersecurity. Additionally, it is important to keep track of what contractors, subcontractors, or vendors might have access to your network.

• Educating your employees “Employees are our most valuable resource, but they can also be our weakest security point,” says Cannon.

Implementing a policy that requires verbal confirmation when your accounting department receives an

email request for funds, teaching employees best practices for emailing in and out of the office, and there are even vendors who offer training and testing at low cost for employers to refresh their employees knowledge.

Remember, the key to preventing, or minimizing damage from, a cyberattack is early prevention and proactive thinking about technological safety, rather than reactive. Employing these methods and being a smart browser when using email, the web, and even your cellphone can make all the difference for your company and its cybersecurity. n

Brainpower: For Rent The fire protection experts at Xylem understand how complex and critical a facility’s fire protection system is.

So when you need temporary fast-track fire protection pumps to keep you in compliance, we can design, build and install a complete trouble-free pumping solution that integrates with any existing system.

800-24-PUMP4 support@xylemsales.com xylem.com/RentalSolutions

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 55

Protecting Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena AFSA Member American Automatic Sprinkler’s Project Nears Completion NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Construction commenced at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas with a “Let the Dirt Fly” groundbreaking ceremony held on April 18, 2017, but for AFSA member American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. (AAS) of Fort Worth, one of the largest merit-shop fire protection contractors in Texas, preparations started weeks prior. As the winning bidder for the fire protection contract, AAS Owner and President Todd Templin and company had weekly meetings to coordinate the massive job which included approximately 6,500 sprinklers in the 560,000 ft2 Dickies Arena.

The $540 million arena, which is scheduled to open November 2019, took two years to complete, and at its peak had roughly 70 AAS employees onsite, according to AAS Project Manager Brian Prestwood, who was on the jobsite from day one. “We’re working on the project with the Beck Group, who has been a valuable partner of ours for the last 25 years. We appreciate the fact that [AAS was] selected to work on the project.”

The Beck Group, the project’s general contractor, committed to completing the project by November 26, 2019, with a countdown clock displayed in their worksite headquarters. At peak work, 900 laborers were on hand at the jobsite, with more than 4,000 being employed throughout the project. They laid 41 miles of plumbing, 24 miles of HVAC equipment, 1.3 million bricks, and will have worked nearly 4 million man hours when the project is done, according to Beck stats.

Jeff Clark, AAS’s lead designer on the project, worked onsite for several months to manage the details of the job. “The 56 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

The new Dickies Arena in Fort Worth is protected by a fire sprinkler system installed by American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Photo credit: Trail Drive Management Corp.

building was totally modeled out and has 23 wet systems, four dry systems, and 19 pre-action systems. For the event area, there are different levels where we had to keep the pipe to a minimum because there are low ceilings, but when you get up the suite levels, some of the special ceilings and chandeliers do make for a special arrangement because of different ceiling elevations and architectural features, like slopes and bridges that are supported on one side by structure and the other side by cabling.”

The Fort Worth-based Dickies, the world’s leading performance workwear brand, was awarded the naming rights partner for the venue, which will be owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by the not-forprofit operating entity, Trail Drive Management Corp.

Fort Worth billionaire Ed Bass’s Event Facilities Fort Worth partnered with the City of Fort Worth on the 14,000-seat

multi-purpose arena, located adjacent to the existing Will Rogers Memorial Center campus. Fort Worth’s contribution is capped at $225 million paid from user taxes, meaning the bulk of the project is privately funded. George Strait is scheduled to play November 22 and 23, 2019, as one of the arena’s opening acts. The arena will attract a wide variety of highquality entertainment options to the Fort Worth area including concerts, sporting events, and family shows, as well as host the month-long Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January. In addition to exciting entertainment and sporting events, Dickies Arena will have the capacity to accommodate conventions, exhibit events, business meetings, and private receptions with flexible meeting and event spaces ranging in size from 685 ft2 to 91,315 ft2.

For additional details, visit aas-fw.com or dickiesarena.com. n

Fire Alarms Webinar Avoiding Inspection Issues and Interfacing Program Free for AFSA Members The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) will present “Avoiding Inspection Issues & Interfacing with Fire Alarms” webinar on November 21, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. (Central time). This webinar connection and content is free to all AFSA members.

Webinar Details Learn how to avoid common inspection issues and what to do when fire protection systems include alarm systems. From acceptance testing to maintenance inspections, coordination of fire protection system inspection is essential. This presentation will look at methods to avoid unexpected delays in the plan review and inspection of fire protection systems in new projects.

This webinar will also cover how existing system inspections can be

accomplished when these systems are interfaced with alarm systems.

Upon completion of this webinar attendees will be able to: 1. Identify time- and money-saving approaches to plan submittal and field inspections by first understanding the expectations of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

2. Recognize the coordination that is necessary among other trades for scheduling and conducting inspections.

3. Describe how impairments and unwanted alarm transmissions can be avoided through basic alarm system awareness.

Webinar Presenter Tim Knisely, training manager for the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA), will present this seminar. He is responsible for

planning and coordinating all training programs that are offered by the association, both classroom and online offerings.

Prior to joining AFAA, Knisely spent 23 years as an AHJ with the Centre Region Council of Governments in State College, Pennsylvania. He has developed and presented training programs for state and national organizations for nearly 20 years with topics that include fire prevention, false alarm reduction, fire protection system plan review, and inspection techniques.

Register Today This webinar offers 0.15 CEUs and 1.5 CPDs. To receive continuing education credit for this webinar you must register for a nominal fee of $35 per certificate. For more details and to register, visit www. firesprinkler.org/webinar-firealarms. n

INTRODUCING THE FIRESTRAIT The new FireStrait flexible pump connector by Metraflex accommodates lateral movement and vibration anywhere along your fire sprinkler piping system.

Grooved and flanged end-fittings, sizes 2” through 12”

Absorbs pipe offset and tank settlement

Meets UL’s product safety testing requirements

www.metrafire.com/firestrait Sprinkler Age Ad.indd 1

7/17/2019 9:03:50 AM

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 57

Mentoring Matters Why You Should Get Involved with AFSA’s Mentor Program REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Mentorship is overflowing with benefits for both the mentor and mentee. Mentorship relationships are customizable and look different from person to person. The process doesn’t have to be a dry “check-the-box” style approach, but can rather look however you want it to. The beauty of mentor/mentee relationships lies in the fact that you can tailor them to fit your individual needs, available time, and preferred relationship style comfortably.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has empowered its young professional group the NextGen Initiative (NGI) to create a mentoring program, which aims to pair young people in the industry with more established industry experts.

This program is intended to nurture the industry’s next generation of talent by offering guidance to those seeking to launch their careers by introducing them to like-minded professionals.

For Mentors As a mentor, you may think mentoring will be all giving and no receiving, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! While you will be offering your knowledge and experience, most likely, mentorship is still a two-way street. Mentees can provide you with a fresh perspective, and help to expand yourself personally and professionally. A few of the benefits of having a mentee are: • Shape the leaders of tomorrow As a mentor, you have a hands-on impact in creating the future that you want to see. Help to shape the leaders of tomorrow with the needs of today in mind.

• Work hard, feel good In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we all 58 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

AFSA’s Mentor Program is a win-win for both mentors and mentees. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com.

hope to be able to reach out to help others, but the reality is we can’t always find the time. Mentoring provides an easy in-industry way to impact the lives of those around you for the better.

• Enhancing your leadership skills Whether it just be someone outside of your organization or someone with a completely different communication style than your established norm, mentoring encourages mentors to learn new and effective ways of communication to work with many different types of people.

• Gain new perspectives Working with the next generation can often offer insights you may not previously have considered, and they may even be able to teach you a new thing or two. With fresh education and new minds approaching problems comes fresh perspectives and new ideas you may not have considered.

• Improve your productivity You may think that mentorship sounds like a

lot of giving of your time, but it’s quite the opposite. Mentoring increases your productivity by helping to put you in the right mindset to tackle your work and streamline your productivity with all that new knowledge and perspective your mentee can help provide.

How About Mentees? Mentees, it is important for you to take note of the ways that it is possible for you to impact your mentor, but what can they do for you? The short answer is lots. Here’s a list of some of the biggest impacts having a mentor can have on you as a mentee: • Mentors offer an outside perspective on situations Whether it’s a problem you’re facing, a situation you’ve never encountered before, or even something that has you worried, mentors are great for offering an outside perspective on something you may be too close to, to think about objectively. For example, if

things are always done a certain way at your office, but could be done more efficiently, maybe a mentor can help identify these situations and help you be your best, most productive self.

• Mentors stimulate professional growth Mentors help us to see and present the best sides of ourselves.

This is another place where their outside perspective can come in handy. Helping to spot opportunities before we spot them ourselves, or making valuable introductions and expanding your professional (and sometimes personal) networks.

• Mentors have invaluable experience Having trouble with a problem while getting started? It’s likely your mentor at some point has run into that exact same problem. They can offer advice coming from a place of experience or tap some of their colleagues who may be able to help offer a helpful solution. This can be a huge benefit with anything from personal problems, to

obtaining certifications and everything in between.

• Mentors can be connectors Your mentor has had time to expand their professional network, and that can come in handy in many ways for you. Whether you just want to consult with someone outside of your network on a project, or you’re looking for new opportunities, mentors are a great way to expand your network.

• Mentors will cheer you on Your mentor wants to see you succeed.

When it’s hard to cheer for ourselves, a mentor is a great resource.

The same way you will give your mentor time and energy to work harder and smarter, they’ll cheer for you and your continued success.

There is a final bonus incentive for both mentors and mentees that is worth mentioning with this program.

Pairs will be matched up from different memberships, giving both mentors and mentees the opportunity to connect with someone across the

country and expand their knowledge and understanding of how other companies work out of their direct competition area.

So, has your interest been sparked in participating in AFSA’s Mentor Program either as a mentor or a mentee? If so, you can sign up today at www.firesprinkler.org/mentor.

However, if you’re still unsure if mentoring is for you and would like to get a little more information on the program (or even if you’ve already registered to participate) be sure to register for AFSA’s NGI kick-off “Mentor Mixer” on Wednesday, October 2 at the conclusion of “NextGen Day” at AFSA38 in San Diego, California. Details and information on how to sign-up to either mentor or be mentored are posted to the group’s website. n

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1988

Your Storz Quick Connect Specialist Elbow Flange Adapters

Storz x Male Adapters

LDH System Specialists • Made to Order • Straight FDC Adapters • Forged Storz Heads • Storz Elbow Adapters • Anodized to Military Specs • Quick Delivery

Threaded x Storz Elbow Adapters

Straight Flange Adapters

Storz x Threaded Female Adapters

MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTION!

2630 West 21st Street. Erie, PA 16506 • 800.553.0078 • harrinc.com • info@harrinc.com • hydrantstorz.com

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 59

AFSA CHAPTERS AFSA Chapter Contacts Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich– Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

Alabama alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres.

334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

Colorado afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair.

719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368

Alberta, Canada afsaalberta.org Kevin Mozak – Pres.

780-203-5263

Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair.

203-877-7983

Arkansas Randy Gilliam– Chair.

479-646-8934 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-986-9090

Dallas-Fort Worth afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair.

817-529-1693 Amy Sweeney – Exec. Dir. 214-349-5965 ext. 119

Arizona Bob Caputo – Chair.

804-222-1381 Makenna Leathers – Exec. Dir. 804-222-1381 Carolinas afsacarolinaschapter.com Bernie Parsons – Chair.

704-782-3032 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Zollars – Chair.

410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-960-3450

Louisiana lafiresprinkler.org Linda Biernacki – Chair.

318-688-8800 Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800 Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644 Minnesota-Dakotas Marc Haug – Chair.

701-232-7008

Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair.

800-327-7604 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

Georgia georgiafiresprinkler.org Bonnie Pinson – Exec. Dir. 770-310-2754

New Mexico Jason Carter – Chair.

505-255-4118 Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712

Greater Bay Area afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair.

925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick – Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-276-3076

South Carolina scfsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair.

843-442-3346 Taylor Young – Exec. Dir. 980-253-3241

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

360-794-8621 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

Southern California socalafsa.com Terry Housholder– Chair.

714-632-8646 Amber Barrios - Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492

Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938

Tennessee afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

615-349-5278

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Hal Burton – Chair.

916-332-1266 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

Upstate New York afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky - Chair 607-296-7969 Kristina Goudreau – Exec. Dir. 518-885-1115

San Diego afsasandiegochapter.org Ron Aday – Chair.

858-513-4949 ext. 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

Utah Rocky Mountain afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair.

385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

Schuylkill afsasc.org Meaghen Wills – Chair.

610-754-7836 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427

Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich, PE – President 804-222-1381 Michael Christensen – Exec. Dir. 804-371-7456

AFSA Affiliate Contacts Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chair.

918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Ryan Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-251-0289

Alberta, Canada

Pacific

Northw

est

Northern New England

Minnesota-Dakotas

Upstate New York

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Utah

Southern California San Diego

Connecticut

Michigan

Arizona

Schuylkill

Ohio Colorado

New Mexico

Virginia

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

Chesapeake Bay

Carolinas

Tennessee

South Carolina Alabama

Louisiana

New Jersey

Georgia

a

id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Patriot

60 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 1

AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of August 30, 2019.

Contractors Cardel Fire Protection Miami, FL Chief Fire Protection Company Atlanta, GA Cliff’s Fire Extinguisher Co., Inc. Woodstock, GA Complete Fire Sprinkler Services Medford, MN

Associates Cole Fire Protection Services Inc. Ojai, CA

Brooks Equipment Company, Inc. Charlotte, NC

Freedom Fire Protection Inc. Ripon, CA

Dewalt Denver, CO

Perfection Fire Protection Albuquerque, NM Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Waco, TX Sentry Alarm Monterey, CA

CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...

June Construction Starts Climb 9 Percent New construction

U.S. Construction...

starts in June advanced 9 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $832.7 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The increase followed the 10 percent gain reported for May, as total construction starts continued to strengthen following April’s subdued performance. By major sector, much of the lift in June came from a 16 percent jump for nonresidential building, which reflected the start of the $1.1 billion expansion to Terminal 5 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as well as sharp gains for office buildings, public buildings (detention facilities and courthouses), healthcare facilities, and warehouses. The other two major sectors registered moderate growth in June, with nonbuilding construction up 6 percent and residential building up 5 percent. Through the first six months of 2019, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $378.8 billion, down 8 percent from the same period a year ago. On a 12-month moving total basis, total construction starts for the twelve months ending June 2019 were 4 percent below the amount for the twelve months ending June 2018.

July Construction Starts Increase 2 Percent At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $849.6 billion, new construction starts in July advanced 2 percent from the previous month, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. This marked the third consecutive monthly increase for total construction starts, following gains of 10 percent in May and 9 percent in June. By major sector, nonbuilding construction led the way in July with a 24 percent hike, boosted by several large public works and electric utility/gas plant projects. These included the $2.7 billion automated people mover system that’s part of the Landside Access Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport, a $2.5 billion segment of the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project in Louisiana, a $1.8 billion natural gas liquids pipeline in Texas, and a $934 million water purification plant expansion in Texas. Nonresidential building in July settled back 4 percent, following a 16 percent jump in June that included the start of the $1.1 billion Terminal 5 expansion at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Residential building in July slipped 6 percent, as multifamily housing retreated from its elevated June amount.

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions June 2019 May 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $308,335 $265,135 +16 Residential Building $318,184 $303,058 +5 Nonbuilding Construction $206,168 $194,765 +6 Total Construction $832,687 $762,958 +9

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions July 2019 June. 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $293,367 $306,774 -4 Residential Building $300,108 $319,964 -6 Nonbuilding Construction $256,102 $206,767 +24 Total Construction $849,577 $833,505 +2

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) June 2019..................176 May 2019...................161

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) July 2019...............180 June 2019...............176

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 6 Mos. 2019 6 Mo. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $132,112 $146,336 -10 Residential Building $153,955 $169,270 -9 Nonbuilding Construction $92,767 $97,963 -5 Total Construction $378,834 $413,569 -8

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 7 Mos. 2019 7 Mos. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $161,101 $177,913 -9 Residential Building $181,495 $198,893 -9 Nonbuilding Construction $116,744 $114,295 +2 Total Construction $459,340 $491,101 -6

2 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2019

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 61

AFSA NEWS AFSA Welcomes Melissa Athens The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) staff is pleased to announce the hiring of Melissa Athens as accounting manager. In her role at AFSA Athens will work in the accounting and administrative services department. She will be responsible for monthly account reconciliations, generating monthly accounting reports, processing check requests and invoices to be paid, supervising and working with accounting coordinator on accounts receivable, order fulfillment and inventory, working with the department on annual audit for AFSA, CLSE and member services 401(k), process accounts payable and assist with payroll preparation.

Athens has previously served as director of accounting for RYZA Claim Solutions for 10 years. She graduated from Texas A&M University in Commerce with a Business Administration Degree with a major in accounting. Welcome aboard, Melissa! Visit www.firesprinkler.org to meet all of our AFSA National staff.

AFSA No Longer Selling NFPA Publications Due to recent changes in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) policy, AFSA must discontinue service as an authorized reseller of NFPA products, such as its standards, effective August 31, 2019. AFSA will continue to sell its NFPA standards, including NFPA 13, NFPA 20, and NFPA 25, until its current stock is depleted. For a list of current offerings, visit AFSA’s online storefront at www.firesprinkler.org/store. n

George Wagner Awarded AFSA Lifetime Member Status The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has conferred its Life Membershito George Wagner through a vote of the Board of Directors at its July 2019 meeting. Wagner has been deeply involved in the fire sprinkler industry for over 40 years.

He worked for Worsham Sprinkler Company (WSC) in Mechanicsville, Virginia, for 28 years, serving as president of the company for 25 years. After fully retiring from WSC in November 2000, Wagner started a consulting service to help other sprinkler contractors by sharing the experience he had of running a fire sprinkler business for almost 30 years. He also continued to devote his time to the industry through AFSA. Wagner served on the AFSA national Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003. He has cochaired the Legislative Committee and Apprenticeship & Education Committee and served as a member of the Convention, Insurance, Industry Protection, Long-Range Planning, and Safety Committees. He also led the charge to create AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program. He received AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee award in 2015.

In 1991, Wagner was one of the founding sprinkler contractors of the Virginia Chapter of AFSA, serving as its director for four years and as chairman for two years, before becoming its executive director, a position he held from 2008-2018. Wagner and fellow chapter members also created the chapter’s annual Burn Survivors Golf Tournament that has raised over $1 million for two charities: the Firefighter Burn Survivors Foundation and the Virginia Burn Camp for Children.

“If anyone is deserving of the status Lifetime Member, it is George Wagner. From his days starting up the AFSA Virginia Chapter, to serving on the National Board of Directors and tackling many specific projects for our Association, George has tirelessly dedicated his time into making our Association what it is today!” says AFSA Second Vice Chairman & Virginia Chapter President Jack Medovich, PE, Fire & Life Safety America, Hanover, Maryland, who nominated Wagner. “I’m hopeful now that George has been honored with a Lifetime Membership, we’ll continue to see him at our conventions and meetings— which will make him eligible to be volunteered for more special projects.”

The AFSA Bylaws states “A Life Member is an individual retired from an active role in the industry who wishes to continue to participate in furthering the objectives, purposes and programs of the organization. A Life Member must have contributed an outstanding service to AFSA and be recommended to the National Board of Directors for approval as a Life Member by the AFSA Board of Directors. A Life Member shall not have the power to vote or hold office in AFSA.” Wagner is only the third Life member appointed by AFSA. Previously the Association has awarded Lifetime status to Don Becker in 2015 and Harold Black in 2012. n

Calendar October

November

1-4

16

11-22

AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, CA https://www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA38

26th Annual AFSA-Virginia Burn Survivors Golf Tournament Williamsburg National Golf Club Williamsburg, VA

AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX https://www.firesprinkler.org/schools

https://www.afsavirginia.com

7-18 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX https://www.firesprinkler.org/schools 62 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. For information on OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

SEP 13-16

HILTON BONNET CREEK

2020

ORLANDO S

e t a D ave the

39

CONVENTION EXHIBITION

CHAPTER NEWS

Florida Chapter members met recently to plan for 2020.

Greater Bay Area Chapter members raised $3,000 for the Santa Clara Valley Medical Burn Center.

Florida On July 9, Florida Chapter leaders

Los Angeles and the Oregon border. Sever-

lege in 1994. He spent a few years serving

from American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) joined together to plan legislative priorities for the state for 2020. AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal was in attendance to discuss AFSA priorities in the area to consider. Florida State Senator Ed Hooper also spoke to the members in attendance. Following the legislative priorities meeting, the chapter held a board meeting to discuss 2020 priorities for the chapter. Visit www.afsafl.org.

al members of the VMC Foundation board came out to enjoy the day and golf with the Chapter.

Don’t miss out on their upcoming 2nd Annual Grand Prix on December 7 at UmiGo in Livermore, California. Visit afsa-gba.org.

in the Illinois National Guard while simultaneously working for the Department of Corrections in Illinois, and as a loan officer for a private mortgage company. He went on his first deployment to Iraq to support California’s National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment in 2005.

This home will serve to provide a more accessible living space for Casara. Learn more about HFOT and the AFSA partnership as the exclusive fire sprinkler provider at hfotusa.org and learn more about the San Diego Chapter at afsasandiegochapter.org. n

Greater Bay Area The Greater Bay Area Chapter held their Annual Charity Golf Tournament on July 12 at San Ramon Golf Club in San Ramon, California. With 64 players and eight volunteers, the event was well attended! The tournament was followed by a banquet with lunch, prizes, and a raffle. The chapter was able to donate $3,000 to the VMC Foundation benefiting the Santa Clara Valley Medical Burn Center which is one of only three burn centers between

Sacramento Valley The AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter was proud to host a seminar on plan review on July 25. The seminar was attended by over 30 and provided valuable training and an introduction to the process of reading, interpreting and determining the compliance of fire sprinkler system plans and hydraulic calculations with the applicable codes and standards for design and installation. Visit www.sacvalleyafsa.org.

San Diego The San Diego Chapter attended the Community Kickoff event with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) on August 10. The chapter was there to support the building of a home for Daniel Casara who first enlisted in the military while in col-

San Diego Chapter members attended the Community Kickoff event for Homes for Our Troops.

64 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Sacramento Valley Chapter’s plan review seminar was well attended.

Help us Sound the Alarm about fire safety.

Every day 7 people die in home fires. You can help change that.

This spring, the American Red Cross will team up with fire departments, volunteers, and partners like AFSA to Sound the Alarm with home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events. Volunteers will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 at-risk communities across the country.

Help us Sound the Alarm about fire safety.

us millions preventabout thesethe needless tragedies all 50fire states.

Help Help educate life-saving benefits in of home sprinklers.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association has partnered with the American Red Cross Join AFSA in supporting the Red Cross Home Campaign: Campaign. to include fire sprinklers in their nationwide Home FireFire Preparedness donate at www.redcross.org/afsa-pub or sign up volunteer at an event in your community.

Be a part of this historic to effort to educate millions about home fire sprinklers, by helping us raise $10,000 to include sprinklers in this campaign.

Donate online at www.redcross.org/afsa-pub To donate go to www.redcross.org/afsa-pub or volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org.

We make lives better through Home Care

156101-11 1/18

PRODUCT NEWS Johnson Controls Announces Enhanced Listings for Combustible Concealed Sprinklers Johnson Controls announces advanced listings for its TYCO® Model CC3 combustible concealed space sprinklers, the TY2199 4.2K sprinkler and TY3199 5.6K sprinkler. The 5.6K model now offers greater flexibility, with a new UL Listing for the protection of concealed areas up to 2000 ft2 (186 m2) without the need for a draft curtain.

In addition, both CC3 models are now UL Listed for use with LFP Antifreeze within 1000 ft2 (93 m2) draft curtain areas. These application-specific sprinklers are used to protect combustible and non-combustible concealed spaces between regular-use floors often containing mechanical equipment in commercial buildings. Since these spaces are concealed with limited or no access, the use of LFP Antifreeze in the sprinkler system is crucial for preventing frozen pipes in cold conditions.

The CC3 sprinklers are capable of 6-in. to 60-in. depth protection with industry leading 16-ft x 16-ft spacing for all depths and construction types.

The TY2199 4.2K has a 196 ft2 (18.2 m2) maximum coverage area, while the TY3199 5.6K sprinkler offers 256 ft2 (23.8 m2) of maximum coverage. Both sprinklers comply with criteria for the protection of combustible concealed spaces as described in NFPA 13.

To learn more about the TYCO CC3 TY2199 4.2K and TY3199 5.6K combustible concealed space sprinklers, click here. For more information on LFP antifreeze, visit tyco-fire.com/LFP. New Revit® Families Provide Enhanced BIM Design Capabilities for Fire Sprinkler Systems The Viking Corporation announces the release of a new Revit family library for its complete line of fire sprinklers. The new Revit families, which are now available on Viking’s website, provide Revit users with an enhanced BIM design process for Viking sprinklers.

In developing its new sprinkler families, Viking has taken an innovative approach that allows designers to access families at either a category level, model level, or for a specific sprinkler. When a new family is loaded into a BIM project, the designer can choose a specific Viking sprinkler(s) based on various attributes including sprinkler type, orientation, temperature, and finish. This allows for a more precise representation in the BIM project and avoids overburdening the project file with unnecessary data.

Each new Revit family is provided in a zip file, which includes both the Revit file (.rfa) and a corresponding text file, which contains the specific sprinkler types, models and attributes. When extracted from the zip file, the text file will download automatically and is then referenced behind the scenes to allow for the customization of the selected sprinklers in the BIM project. Additionally, based on extensive feedback from the Revit user community, Viking has optimized the visual representation of the new Revit families to provide an accurate 3D view of the sprinkler, while also removing unneeded visual detail, thus allowing for faster rendering and load times.

In addition to providing the ability to select specific sprinklers and attributes, the new Revit families also allow for customization of various instance parameters within the BIM project, including the sprinkler’s thread engagement with fittings, inclusion of an escutcheon, and deflector positioning. Also, when working in the Revit plan view, the new Viking families reference the appropriate sprinkler symbols, following the NFPA 170 standard.

For details visit vikinggroupinc.com.

REED Debuts Pump Stick Versatile, durable REED Pump Stick™ with cordless power provides a portable, jobsite friendly way to remove water.

66 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Applications for the battery operated liquid transfer pump are numerous. Use with operator’s own 18V-20V battery by replacing the battery adapter plate with one designed for common, slide style batteries. Hard shell, aluminum main body shaft outlasts the competition. For safety, the on/off switch is sealed and water-resistant. To protect the impeller, choose from multiple screens, strainers and filters to suit the application. REED Pump Stick ships with a 2-ft hose, but add extra length with the 4-ft and 7-ft hose extensions plus the hose coupling. Long, slim design allows operator to place the pump deep into small cavities. Pump lifts water up to 12 ft. Comfort grip handle at the top brings the pump to 4 ft for operational ease. Universally useful, the battery-operated pump stick is a must-have for contractors and maintenance departments.

Visit reedmfgco.com.

New RIDGID® CS6x Versa Digital Reporting Monitor Offers Unmatched Versatility Eliminate the hassle of trying to find a suitable location to place your monitor while doing a plumbing inspection with the new RIDGID® CS6x Versa digital reporting monitor with WiFi, the flexible, efficient solution for plumbing inspections. It features a unique pivoting frame for high and low monitoring positions to allow flexible placement and optimal viewing.

A 5.7-inch daylight viewable screen provides a crisp, clear in-pipe image, while the water-resistant keypad gives direct control of camera and monitor functions. The CS6x Versa’s WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for remote viewing and recording of inspections on an iOS or Android phone or tablet using the free HQx Live companion app. This allows inspections that can be shared immediately with clients or, if needed, footage can be saved to a USB drive for future review.

The CS6x Versa works with all RIDGID SeeSnake camera reels and easily docks onto RIDGID Compact series reels, including the new SeeSnake Compact C40 and M40, for efficient transport, storage and operation. It can be used in a high or low viewing position to suit jobsite conditions, has improved ingress protection against dust and moisture, and an integrated sunshade that can remain open in all uses for maximum glare reduction. Visit RIDGID.com.

Viega Pureflow PEX Llisted for Basement Fire Sprinklers Viega PureFlow PEX pipe and fittings have been listed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) as approved for use in exposed fire sprinkler systems in basements.

The listings cover two types of ceiling. PureFlow can be installed and left exposed in wood joist ceiling assemblies where the following conditions are met: • Joists are of dimensional lumber, engineered wood, wood I-joist or open web wood joists (wood floor trusses) • Joists are of depths from 6-16 in. (152-204 mm) • Joists are of spacing from 12-24 in. (305-610 mm) on center • Joists can be exposed after installation • Metal pipe hangers spaced at maximum 24 in. (610 mm) on center are used • Listed residential automatic sprinklers of maximum activation temperature rating of 165°F (68°C) PureFlow can be installed exposed across finished ceiling assemblies where the following conditions are met: • Ceiling is finished with one of the following approved membranes:

a) Minimum 3/8-in. (9.5mm) thickness code-complying gypsum wallboard or; b) Suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles having a minimum weight of 0.35 lb/ft2 (1.76 kg/m2) when installed with metallic support grids or; c) 1/2-in. (13mm) code-complying plywood or solid sheathing ° Metal pipe hangers spaced at maximum 24-in. (610 mm) oncenter are used ° Listed residential automatic sprinklers of maximum activation temperature rating of 165°F (68°C) PureFlow is the PEX fire sprinkler system of choice for builders and retrofitters for its ease of installation, corrosion-free qualities and dependability.

It’s the only PEX fire sprinkler system with an easy alignment bracket that eliminates the need for measuring when hanging pendants. Visit viega.us.

Easyflex’s new Ultra Performance Flexible Sprinkler Drop Easyflex’s new Ultra Performance Flexible Sprinkler Drop features a 11/4-in.

ID, which translates into less friction loss than 1-in. Schedule 40 Pipe with the same number of 90°s. This in turn helps expedite the process from design approval to completion of your project. This product is the ideal solution for reducing hydraulic calculation requirements of sprinkler systems with limited pressure, and systems using extended coverage heads. This new design offers improved flexibility and field friendly features. Visit easyflexusa.com.

RIDGID® Redesigns Wet/Dry Vacs The RIDGID® NXT line of 6-, 12-, 14and 16-gallon models recently underwent an ergonomic makeover, with enhanced features designed to make jobsite cleanup even easier. Redesigned features include: • A front-to-back top carry handle for more comfortable grab-and-go maneuverability.

• Added comfort-grip side handles for extra ease in lifting, carrying or emptying the vac.

• A new drum key and side latches that create a tighter lid-to-drum seal to securely keep dirt, dust and debris inside the vac.

• A larger on/off switch for easier operation with gloved hands.

• A built-in cord wrap to more neatly store the cord for transport. All of the vacs also include a new ultra-flexible locking hose that won’t pull loose and is four times more durable than a standard hose. The 12-, 14- and 16-gallon models include an updated utility nozzle that delivers a 77 percent increase in pickup power.

Each NXT Vac is still backed by the RIDGID full lifetime warranty and comes with popular industry-leading features, like Scroll Noise Reduction®, a patented sound-reduction technology that provides quiet operation by precisely controlling the flow of air through the vac. The QwikLock® Filter Fastening System allows for quick and easy filter installation and removal without tools or fasteners. The 12-, 14- and 16-gallon NXT vacs are also OSHA/ HEPA compliant when used as a system with RIDGID VF6500RT OSHA Table 1 and HEPA Compatible Filtration Kits. Visit RIDGID.com.

TYCO® DV-5A RED-E Cabinet from Johnson Controls The new TYCO® DV-5A RED-E Cabinet by Johnson Controls is a pre-assembled, prewired and pretested fire protection package. Enclosed within a free-standing, 14-gauge steel cabinet designed to occupy minimal floor

space, the cabinet provides an aesthetically pleasing enclosure for the fire protection valve riser.

It includes the TYCO DV-5A valve and is available in both deluge and preaction package options.

The valve package includes the manual system shutoff control valve, automatic water control valve and waterflow/supervisory switches. The system is also available with an optional built-in air compressor, optional control panel and backup batteries for providing electrical alarm, supervisory and trouble functions.

Both the deluge and preaction packages are designed to readily incorporate 1 and 1/2-in. to 8-in. valve risers. The cabinet package is UL and C-UL Listed, and FM and OSHPD approved for both the deluge and preaction actuations (wet pilot, dry pilot, electric actuation deluge systems, single interlock wet pilot, dry pilot, electric actuation, double interlock electric/pneumatic and electric/electric). Other key features include: optional seismic kit, externally visible gauges and panel displays, working pressure range of 20 to 300 psi, and two-door cabinet design for ease of maintenance. Visit tyco-fire.com/cabinets.

ICC-ES Issues Uponor PMG Listing for AquaSAFE Fire Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings System ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has issued a plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas (PMG) listing, PMG-1541, for the Uponor AquaSAFE™ fire sprinkler pipe and fittings system for use in wetpipe systems. The product is the first thermoplastic fire sprinkler piping system to pass the in-depth evaluation by ICC-ES and obtain an ICC-ES PMG listing to UL 1821, Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings for Fire Protection Service (3rd edition).

The AquaSAFE fire sprinkler pipe and fittings system is designed for residential applications under section P2904 of the International Residential Code. The AquaSAFE pipes are produced from a cross-linked polyethylene compound and the fittings from either an engineered polymer or lead-free (LF) brass with an ASTM F1960 connection. The pipes and fittings are available from 3/4-in. to 11/4-in. sizes. For more information on the ICC-ES PMG Program, visit https://icc-es.org/pmg-listing-program. n

AFSA is Growing!

If you’re a Professional Engineer seeking an opportunity to share your talents, make a difference, and serve the fire sprinkler industry, AFSA would like to talk to you! We’re looking to hire top talent for: • Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services • Manager, Engineering & Technical Services Visit www.firesprinkler.org/jobs for details on qualifications, essential duties, responsibilities, key competencies, and skills required each position, as well as instructions on how to apply.

AFSA is proud to be an EEO employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, such as race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 67

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Bull Moose Tube Hires New Director of Market Growth and Inside Sales Bull Moose announces the hiring of Nate Carruthers as its new director of market growth and inside sales. He joins Jeff Strobach (vice president of sales) and Eric Hickert (director of sales/distribution) to round out the leadership team of Bull Moose Tube’s sales function.

Caruthers will be responsible for identifying market needs, developing sales strategy and overseeing the inside-sales team for Bull Moose Tube. He served in a similar role as director of business development for Tubular Steel, Inc., and spent the first nine years of his career as an equity research analyst for industry resource Steel Market Intelligence.

Visit bullmoosetube.com.

Potter Electric Appoints Gerald Connolly as CEO Potter Electric Signal Company announced it has appointed Gerald Connolly as CEO, effective July 29. As had been planned since Gryphon Investors made a majority investment in the company in 2017, Connolly succeeds Bernie Lears, who has elected to retire after almost 40 years with the company and who will continue to serve on Potter’s board of directors as a vice chairman.

Lears served Potter in numerous roles, including as president and CEO for the past 21 years of the company’s 120-year history.

He solidified the company’s commitment to quality and customer service, which has become its cornerstone.

Connolly is an accomplished 30-year veteran of the building-solutions and fire-safety industry. He comes to Potter most recently from electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand SA, where he was president of the $500-million wiring device solutions division, Pass and Seymour. Prior to that, he served as vice president and general manager at Brooks Automation, where he turned around a $150 million technology division and developed their strategic growth plans.

Prior to Brooks Automation, Connolly served as president of Kidde-Fenwal, Inc., a United Technologies company, where he 68 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

initiated growth strategies as he oversaw global expansion plans for this $350 million fire and safety division. While at Kidde-Fenwal, he also served as general manager, global fire protection systems. Earlier in his career, he held various roles at Advanced Safety Systems, Inc. and Pittway Corp.

Connolly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Visit pottersignal.com.

REED Adds Reinecke as Regional Manager for Southeast US Reed Manufacturing welcomes Dan Reinecke as a new regional manager for the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee markets. He will serve key REED accounts, work with manufacturer’s reps, and focus on developing new business in this seven state area.

Before joining REED, Reinecke worked for Kapro Tools as OEM sales manager and for 10 years at Milwaukee Electric Tool, serving as district sales manager for its Western New York/Northwest Pennsylvania markets. Additionally, he served as sales and project manager for Nesaru Consulting out of Wisconsin. Visit reedmfgco. com/en/.

American Subcontractors Association Members Elect President Members of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), a national trade organization representing construction subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers, elected Anthony Brooks of Platinum Drywall in Maumelle, Arkansas, to serve as the Association’s 201920 president. His term will begin on July 1. He will succeed Courtney Little of ACE Glass Construction in Little Rock, Arkansas.

ASA members also elected Brian Cooper of AROK Inc in Phoenix, Arizona, as vice president, and Brian Carroll of Sanderford and Carroll, PC in Temple, Texas, as secretary/treasurer. They will join Brooks in serving a one-year term, from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.

Brooks previously served as ASA vice president, a position he has held since 2001.

In addition, he has served as the chapter president for ASA of Central Arkansas as

well as ASA treasurer. He was an estimator for Horton Drywall from 1993 until 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The American Subcontractor’s Association, founded in 1966, has local chapters throughout the country. With member companies across the country, ASA promotes the rights and interests of subcontractors, specialty contractors and suppliers by building strength in community through education, advocacy, networking and professional growth. Visit asaonline.com.

RIDGID® Names Mitch Barton Marketing Director of Global Press Connection In continuing its commitment to innovative jobsite solutions to expert tradespeople around the world, RIDGID ® is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Barton to the RIDGID Global Press Connection team, where he will serve as marketing director.

In this new position, Barton will manage product development, partner relations and new business opportunities for the growing line of RIDGID press tools.

Barton brings several decades of marketing and product development experience to his new role. Previously, he served as director, global project management for performance health in Akron. In this role, he transformed the product management group from a support organization to a high performing team leading projects and decision making across the organization. At RIDGID, he brings this innovative outlook to the global press connection team, helping them strengthen their focus, responsiveness and global connectivity solutions in the pressing category.

In addition to more than 30 years of marketing experience across a variety of industries, Barton also holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools. n

INDUSTRY NEWS Victaulic® Acquires Globe Fire Sprinkler Effective July 8, 2019, Victaulic has purchased Globe Fire Sprinkler. Combined, these two respected companies will have the resources and capabilities to bring exciting new solutions to the fire protection industry around the world.

John F. Malloy, CEO of Victaulic commented, “The addition of Globe’s fire protection sprinkler volume and engineering capabilities will provide the scale and skills necessary to be a true leader in all aspects of the fire protection industry.”

Steven Worthington, who will continue to serve the combined organization as President, Globe Fire Protection commented, “Victaulic brings additional financial resources to Globe, enabling added focus on innovation to support our customers and the industry.”

For more details, visit victaulic.com or globesprinkler.com.

Core & Main Completes Acquisition of Long Island Pipe Core & Main LP has closed on its previously announced agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Long Island Pipe Supply, Inc. The acquisi-

tion, Core & Main’s seventh since becoming an independent company in August 2017, adds more than 20 fire protection locations to Core & Main’s footprint. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Long Island Pipe Supply expands Core & Main’s presence in the Northeast, primarily in New York and New Jersey. Our combined distribution channels will strengthen our ability to offer our customers fabrication services and additional products nationwide,” said Brad Cowles, president of Core & Main Fire Protection.

Visit coreandmain.com

Lab also contains a variety of wet system valves, backflow preventers, and a soon to be installed fully functional fire pump brought to the space by SPP Pumps. Additionally, all General Air Products equipment is installed and ready for hands-on training, including riser and tank mounted air compressors, nitrogen and dry air generators, NFPA 13D pump and tank systems, as well as air maintenance devices and pressure switches.

The General Air Products training facility is designed as a national destination with full day and multiple day training on all types of fire sprinkler equipment minutes away from Philadelphia. Visit training.generalairproducts.com.

General Air Products Opens New Training Facility General Air Products has opened a national training facility in its Exton, Pennsylvania, location. The new training center hosts a 40-seat non-traditional classroom, complete with several hands-on equipment stations. Adjoining the classroom is the Sprinkler Lab, which offers seven live dry pipe valve risers from a variety of major manufacturers ready for trip testing. This unique set-up allows contractors to work with many of the different valves they will encounter in the field. The Sprinkler

NFPA’s Issues U.S. Firefighter Fatalities Report The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual “U.S. Firefighter Fatalities in the United States” report, which showed a total of 64 U.S. firefighter fatalities while on duty in 2018. This is the eighth time in the last 10 years that fewer than 70 on-duty deaths have occurred; the death toll is half what it was in the first five years that NFPA conducted this study. Visit NFPA.org. n

THE EASY SOLUTION FOR YOUR FIRE SPRINKLER CONCEALMENT NEEDS BEFORE C

®

UL

US

LISTED

AFTER

Conceal your exposed fire sprinkler pipe and mechanicals with the Soffi-Steel®, Interlock™ or AlumA-Fit™ Concealment Systems Reliable and appealing soffit systems to conceal CPVC, steel pipe, copper pipe, cable, conduit, hydronic piping, HVAC or PEX.

888.933.2248 • sales@jgius.com

www.JGIUS.com

MADE IN the

USA

Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019 69

PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT. (Continued from page 8) Based on member feedback, our job at AFSA is threefold: (1) to help you solve the problems that you face in your work, (2) to serve you better by providing enhanced value, and (3) to build on the principles of the merit shop movement for the betterment of the individual, the fire sprinkler industry, and the nation.

It will take time, money, and—most of all—your support and our collective momentum to get us where we need to be in the next decade and beyond.

While we hope to talk personally with you during AFSA38 in San Diego, October 1-4, please know that our doors are always open to hear what you have to say. Feel free to stop by our Dallas headquarters, call us at

(214) 349-5965, or email our team at info@firesprinkler.org. Hearing what our members have to say is not only something we say we do, it’s something we live by. And we cannot act, until we listen. n

ADVERTISERS

You don’t have to be a genius.

AGF Manufacturing, Inc.

53

American Red Cross

65

Anvil International

4

ARGCO 17,42 BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems

13

BuildingReports.com 3 Bull Moose Tube Co.

19

Core & Main Fire Protection

35

DecoShield Systems, Inc.

18

Easyflex IBC Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Inc. GECCO, Inc.

47

Harrington, Inc.

59

Hose Monster Company (The)

24

JG Innovations, Inc.

69

Johnson Controls, Inc.

11

Metraflex Company (The)

57

Potter Electric Signal Co.

BC

Raimondo Consultants, Inc.

34

Reed Manufacturing Company

37

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. South-Tek Systems

The solution is obvious. Firesprinkler.org is where the Fire Sprinkler industry goes online. You will find the solutions to your education and training needs, technical support and industry news and updates. Membership in the American Fire Sprinkler Association gives you full access to real benefits and services that will fit perfectly in your business plan and increase your productivity and profitability.

Be a Member

firesprinkler.org

70 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2019

Apply online at firesprinkler.org or call 214-349-5965.

7

IFC 9

TLX Technologies, LLC

41

U.S. Tool

21

Victaulic 31 Viking Group

27, 45

Xylem 55

Now available as a compact wall-mount unit with quick install mounting bracket!

The hardest part of the install is deciding where to go for lunch.

Potter’s IntelliGen® Nitrogen Generators provide easy, quick installation with an intelligent automated setup.

The Potter IntelliGen® series uses an automated setup procedure that switches the generator into the correct fill mode automatically—that means no more messing with ball valves! This makes installation easy and ensures that your fire sprinkler system has the best possible corrosion protection. Additionally, these web-enabled nitrogen generators allow you to receive status notifications via email and view system details through a web browser or mobile device. Find out how the simplest installation on the market will save you time for other important things, like lunch!

Learn More:

www.PotterIntelliGen.com/lunch